Nigeria, Vietnam Ink Visa Waiver Agreement

• Nigeria, Vietnam Ink Visa Waiver Agreement

Nigeria and Vietnam on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on visa waiver for holders of valid diplomatic and official passports.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada signed the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while his counterpart, the Vietnamese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Nguyen Minh Vu, signed on behalf of his government.

The signing and exchange of the MoU was witnessed by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr Vuong Dinh Hue at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

With the agreement that has been sealed, it means Nigerian diplomatic passport holders will no longer need a visa to Vietnam, vice-versa.

However, with the diplomatic relations and business ties that was agreed upon, there are still no signs that the Nigerian government is ready to open its border for Vietnamese to bring in their goods.

Recall that Investors King had earlier reported Hue is appealing to the Nigerian Government to open its border, stressing that they are ready to bring in rice especially at a discounted rate.

Hue’s statement only pointed out that Vietnam is really affected by the decision Nigeria has taken on its border and probably the main reason he led a delegation to Nigeria to have trade talk.

Amb. Dada noted that Vietnam has shown its willingness to strengthen its relationship with Nigeria.

“Indications are that their engagements are very fruitful and they are willing to take the relationship to the next level.

“On our part, we are, ready and willing to reciprocate; to pick up the challenge they have thrown to us,” he said

Osinbajo said the “visit is very significant because we will be looking at the possibility of setting up a bilateral commission between Vietnam and Nigeria so that we can concretise the existing areas of cooperation.

“I am confident that we can build on the successes recorded in the past while we work on boosting cooperation in business, trade and investment and social and cultural relationship between both countries.

“We agreed on promoting a friendly football match between Vietnam and Nigeria. The Super Eagles and the Vietnamese national team and as well the female national team of Vietnam and our Super Falcons.