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The Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, today (Friday) signed a Visa Abolition Agreement with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ecuador, Dr Benjamin Ortiz Brennan.

"The Agreement gives visa-free access for a period up to 90 days to HKSAR passport holders visiting Ecuador," a Government spokesman said.

The Agreement will take effect on October 3, 1999. Nationals of Ecuador will likewise enjoy 90 days' visa-free access to Hong Kong.

"We welcome the Agreement, which signifies the confidence of the Government of Ecuador in Hong Kong and the HKSAR passport," the spokesman said.

The Republic of Ecuador is the 61st country/territory granting visa-free access to HKSAR passport holders.

End/Friday, September 3, 1999

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