Beijings earlier decision to ease entry rules for Russian nationals will be reciprocated

Russia will introduce visa-free travel for Chinese citizens in the very near future, President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday. The measure will mirror Beijing's recent decision to grant the same privilege to Russian nationals.

The Russian leader made the announcement during talks in Moscow with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who had arrived for a session of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) Council of Heads of Government.

Putin praised Beijing's decision in to grant Russians visa-free entry, saying it would "undoubtedly" contribute to further strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

"From our side, very soon, reciprocal measures will come into force for citizens of the People's Republic of China visiting Russia," he said, adding that it would help boost bilateral cooperation.

China introduced one-year trial visa-free entry for Russian travelers in September.

The change has already shown up in travel statistics, with a 30-40% year-on-year increase in Russian citizens visiting China in October, according to Tatiana Lobach, deputy chair of the State Duma's tourism committee. "People want to learn about the culture, nature, and traditions of a friendly country," she told TASS.

READ MORE: China announces visa-free travel for Russians

Two years ago, Russia and China agreed to permit tour groups visa-free trips to each other's countries, a change that has also boosted tourist numbers. Between January and July of this year, 237,000, Russians visited China, while 262,000 Chinese tourists came to Russia.

Eight Russian airlines currently operate 36 routes to China, while ten Chinese carriers fly 24 routes to Russia, with a combined 230 flights a week.

(RT.com)