Rabat – In a sign of continuing rapprochement between Russia and Arab countries, the Baltic state announced that it is considering exempting citizens from Arab states from visa requirements.
Mikhail Bogdanov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister and the Russian president’s special envoy for the Middle East and Africa, made the announcement on Thursday during the 14th Russia-Islamic World International Economic Forum in Kazan, Russia.
The Russia-Islamic World International Economic Forum is a two-day event that presents the main platform for economic cooperation between Russia and Arab countries.
Bogdanov expressed Russia’s intention to eliminate visa requirements while highlighting the potential benefits of such a move in boosting tourism and business activities.
“Work is underway. Overall, our intention is to remove the visa regime. This is very important for both tourism and business,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the forum.
The decision is expected to facilitate travel and economic cooperation between Russia and the countries involved, the Russian official was quoted as saying in converging news reports.
Bogdanov also noted that a similar measure was underway with Asian countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia.
“With our traditional partners, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt. Many things have already been done. And we expect that there will be even more,” Bogdanov added.
Russia has various contacts with the multi-state Arab organization known as the Arab League. The country has also played a pivotal role over the years in mediating the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
In addition, the Arab League and Russia have established a joint committee called the Russian-Arab Business Council that aims to develop trade and economic relations between Russia and the Arab countries and provides assistance in establishing business contacts between businessmen.
Read Also: Russia Keen to Forge Closer Ties With Morocco Amid US Sanctions
