By IANS
New Delhi : Ahead of Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s visit to India Wednesday, the cabinet Monday approved the signing of an agreement that will enable visa-free travel for the holders of diplomatic and official passports of both countries.
The agreement would be signed Friday during the Philippines’ president’s visit, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters here after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The agreement allows diplomatic and passport office holders to enter, transit through and exit from the territory of each other country and then allows them to stay in each other’s territory for a maximum period of 30 days without a visa.
This agreement will not, however, exempt the holders of diplomatic and official passport holders from the obligation of complying with the laws and regulations of the receiving party.
Arroyo’s four-day visit to India starting Wednesday is aimed at boosting political and economic relations between the two countries.
A bilateral air services agreement aimed at improving connectivity between the two countries is also on the cards.