Phl, Bangladesh ink deal on diplomatic passports

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Bangladesh have signed a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Bangladesh Ambassador John Gomes signed the agreement on March 6.

Under the agreement, holders of diplomatic and official passports from both countries will be allowed to enter, transit through or stay in the territory of either country up to 30 days without obtaining a visa.

It also allows those working in a mission or consular post, including their dependents, to enter both countries by simply notifying the host country within 30 days upon their arrival to secure residence/multiple visas for the duration of their assignment.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Undersecretary for Administration Rafael Seguis, Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Vicente Vivencio Bandillo, Office of Consular Affairs Visa Division Director Arnel Talisayon, Third Secretary of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh in Manila Probash Lamarong, and Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs Southeast Asia-A Division Principal Assistant Ajeet Panemanglor.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the agreement is a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Bangladesh.