Sugiono Signs Visa-Free Agreements with Three Countries

RRI.CO.ID, New York – Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono signed Visa Exemption Agreements for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports with Lebanon, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Dominican Republic on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

The signing of the three agreements marks a concrete step toward strengthening bilateral relations and increasing interactions between Indonesia and the three countries, while also opening opportunities for broader cooperation.

The agreements are also expected to serve as an initial step toward providing visa-free facilities for Indonesian citizens in the future.

With Lebanon, the agreement was signed by Sugiono and Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Yousef Raggi. During their bilateral meeting, the two ministers discussed strengthening cooperation in the economic and development sectors and exchanged views on regional developments, particularly the situation in Palestine.

The Lebanese Foreign Minister also expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s contribution to maintaining peace and stability in Lebanon through its participation in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) since 2006.

Meanwhile, Sugiono and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Foreign Investment, and Diaspora Affairs Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble signed the agreement to strengthen communication and cooperation between the two governments.

The meeting also discussed potential development cooperation, including through capacity-building programs on diversifying mango and breadfruit products.

With the Dominican Republic, Sugiono and Minister of Foreign Affairs Víctor Orlando Bisonó Haza signed the agreement to facilitate mobility and strengthen trust between the two countries. The two ministers also encouraged greater trade and investment cooperation, including through the Indonesia-Latin America and the Caribbean (INA-LAC) Business Forum.

During his meetings with the three foreign ministers, Sugiono also exchanged views on various global geopolitical developments and sought support for Indonesia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2029–2030 term.

The signing of the three agreements reflects Indonesia’s commitment to expanding and strengthening relations with friendly countries and translating bilateral ties into increasingly concrete and mutually beneficial cooperation.