Bolivia, Chile scrap diplomatic visas mutually to strengthen ties

LA PAZ, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Bolivia and Chile on Saturday signed an agreement to scrap visa and official residency requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports from the other country.

The deal was signed at Viru Viru Airport in Santa Cruz by Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa and Chilean Deputy Foreign Minister Gloria de la Fuente during the launch of Boliviana de Aviacion (BoA) 's first flight to Santiago.

Sosa said the agreement reflects the growing trust and mutual respect between the two countries, facilitating diplomatic and consular work and further strengthening bilateral ties.

The accord will make travel and residence for diplomats and their families easier between the two countries, a move both sides said will help deepen institutional ties and advance regional integration.

"We value Chile's willingness to work together on this agreement," Sosa said, calling the move a step toward broader cooperation that benefits both nations.

She emphasized Bolivia's commitment to a foreign policy based on dialogue, regional integration and harmonious bilateral relations. ■