New ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Dominica, His Excellency Guy Sevrin presented credentials to Dominica’s president, His Excellency Charles Savarin on Wednesday, June 15th.
His Excellency Savarin noted the positive outcome of negotiations held between the OECS mission in Brussels and the European Union for the Schengen visa waiver agreements for OECS member states.
“The agreement was signed by Dominica’s Foreign Minister, the Hon. Francine Baron, in Brussels on 28th may 2015. Under this agreement, Dominica and other OECS nationals who are visiting any of the Schengen States for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for the purpose of carrying out unpaid activities, no longer require a visa. This most welcome development will significantly improve travel between oecs Member States and Schengen States.”
His Excellency Guy Sevrin says this move has brought the two regions closer.
The new ambassador also spoke of Belgium’s continued commitment in combatting climate change, another issue of mutual interest to both countries.
He called on the continued support of Dominica for Belgium’s election to various international bodies, while His Excellency Charles Savarin assured of Dominica’s continuous support in that regard.
His Excellency Charles Savarin served as Dominica’s ambassador to Belgium for seven years from 1986.
Dominica and Belgium have shared diplomatic relations since 1980.
His Excellency Guy Sevrin will replace Her Excellency Godelieve Van Den Bergh and will be a resident in Jamaica.