Russia is taking steps to ease visa requirements for visitors from several Asian and Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with these nations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko announced the plan during the Eastern Economic Forum. He emphasized that Russia has had positive experiences with its visa regime with various Asian countries and considers this policy shift to be of great importance. The goal is to facilitate easier travel and foster stronger relations.
Yevgeny Ivanov, the State Secretary and Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, revealed that Moscow is currently in the process of preparing intergovernmental agreements for visa-free travel with a total of 11 countries. In addition to the aforementioned Gulf nations, this list includes Malaysia, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, Zambia, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago. These agreements are pivotal in establishing a framework for visa exemptions.
Maxim Reshetnikov, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development, further underscored the country’s interest in visa exemptions. It’s evident that Russia views this as a strategic move to promote tourism, trade, and bilateral cooperation with a diverse set of nations.
The proposed visa exemptions represent a significant step towards greater international engagement and cooperation, fostering stronger ties between Russia and the countries involved. This policy change could have far-reaching implications for diplomatic and economic relations in the region.
