Dominican Republic, Uruguay sign accords on economy, air travel, migration

The foreign ministers of the Dominican Republic and Uruguay signed accords this Monday on migration, air travel, trade and investment.

The signing came during a visit of Uruguay’s Rodolfo Nin Novoa for talks with counterpart Miguel Vargas on matters of mutual interest.

After the meeting, the ministers signed the accords in front of the media at the Dominican Foreign Ministry.

The Air Services Accord formalized commercial flight relations “and promises to promote tourism in both destinations by improving flight connections” between the two countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding for the Promotion of Trade and Investment includes the creation of a joint council to develop cooperation even more in these areas.

Finally, the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on Migration Flow reaffirms the mutual determination to combat any sign of human trafficking by strengthening the binational Working Group.

In addition, starting Jan. 1, Dominican citizens who possess visas issued by the United States or the United Kingdom will be exempt from needing a Uruguayan visa.

Also free of that requirement will be parents, spouses, minors and disabled adult children who want to enter Uruguay to live with family members who are legal residents.

“It’s important to note that with the three accords signed today, we highlight once more the strong political, economic, social and cultural bonds between the two nations,” Vargas said.