Russia: Towards Abolishing Visas with Islamic World Countries
Russian Presidential Special Envoy for the Middle East and Africa and Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Mikhail said Thursday that Russia is working to abolish the visa regime with several countries in the Islamic world.
“A work in progress. Our aim is to eliminate the visa process altogether. It is very important for tourism and business,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the 14th Russia-Islamic World International Economic Forum in Kazan, 800 kilometers east of Moscow.
Mr. Bogdanov mentioned that similar work is being done with Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.
“Overall, this is the direction we will go, and we have already made a lot of progress,” he stressed, noting that “cooperation is going in this direction” with the Gulf countries.
“With our traditional partners Syria, Iraq and Egypt. Many things have already been done. And we expect more,” said Mr. Bogdanov continued.
The work of the International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World” (Kazan Forum) was opened on Thursday. The two-day event is considered a major platform for economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and the countries of the Islamic world.
According to the organizers, 7,210 people from 85 countries and 84 regions of the Russian Federation have registered to participate in this important event.
