Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 18
Trend:
Deputy Speaker of Russia's State Duma, the lower house of the country's Federal Assembly, Nikolai Levichev said that his country and Iran should abolish visas on a bilateral basis, Russian news agency Tass reported Jan. 18.
"Bilateral abolition of visas between Russia and Iran will be a logical step in the development of cooperation between the two countries," he said.
Levichev went on to add that Iran has great interest in Russia and its culture.
"Iran could become a popular destination for Russian tourists," he said. "Last year, Russian tourists lost two popular holiday destinations - Egypt and Turkey. Islamic Republic of Iran with its indescribable oriental flavor of ancient Persia could fill the vacant niche."
He also said the conditions for visa regime abolition couldn't be more favorable than now.
"Relations between Moscow and Tehran are on the rise," said Levichev. "Islamic Republic of Iran came back to the international community mostly through the efforts of our country."
He added that Russia and Iran implement "hundreds of joint projects in various fields - from agriculture to space."
Iran and the P5+1 finalized the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in Vienna, on July 14, 2015.
Under the JCPOA, limits are put on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic.
Iran and the P5+1 group implemented the JCPOA on Jan. 16, which eliminated sanctions on the country, including the restrictions over banking sector, releasing blocked assets abroad, etc.