Q:
A:
Serbia, Russia sign agreement on visa-free regime
Belgrade/Moscow,
20 February 2009
Serbian and Russian foreign ministers Vuk Jeremic and Sergei Lavrov signed today in Moscow an agreement on abolishing visas for citizens of the two countries.
Vuk Jeremic and Sergei Lavrov
Author:
www.rian.ru
At the beginning of the meting Jeremic voiced his pleasure at the signing of the agreement on the visa-free regime, which envisages that citizens from one country may enter the territory of the other one and stay there for one month, while persons with diplomatic and official passports may stay as long as 90 days.
Employees at diplomatic and consular offices and offices of international organisations, as well as members of their families, are allowed to stay on the territory of the other country during their entire mandate.
Citizens who have been granted temporary residence or those with a working permit will have the right to travel and reside in the country without visas, while for those who want to live in Russia there are other procedures and the migration services will not stall or hinder the process.
Jeremic said that Serbian citizens will have their passports stamped at Russian airports, adding that the agreement will come into force as soon as it is ratified by Serbian parliament and the two governments exchange diplomatic notes.
Lavrov said that 30 days for a visa-free stay in Russia is quite enough for cultural or business events, adding that the agreement will also help to increase the trade exchange between Serbia and Russia and facilitate travelling for businessmen from both countries.
He stressed thatp trade and economic cooperation between Serbia and Russia is developing fast and that their trade exchange last year surpassed $4 billion.
According to him, tourism will be an additional stimulus, while an important encouragement is expected from the signing of the free trade agreement, which will extend the list of products subject to the customs-free exchange.
The Russian Minister said that Russia will quickly conclude the procedures necessary for the visa-free regime to be enforced, adding that this should happen as soon as possible.
Jeremic reiterated that Belgrade and Moscow intend to sign an agreement on cultural cooperation in the near future, adding that Lavrov may visit Serbia on that occasion.
He noted that the agreement is in the final drafting stage, voicing his hope that it will soon be signed.
The Minister recalled that this year the Days of Serbian Culture will be held in Russia, as well as the Days of Russian Culture in Serbia.
Following the meeting with Lavrov, Jeremic said that the gas crisis showed the necessity of the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline.
Minister Jeremic said that both Serbia and Russia are satisfied with the realisation of the gas and oil agreement, adding that the project is of vital importance for Serbia.
Lavrov stressed that Russia will never recognise Kosovo-Metohija and will continue supporting Serbia in its efforts to preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He said Russia feels that the Kosovo issue must be solved in line with Resolution 1244.
Minister Jeremic pointed out that the two sides share the same stance concerning the Kosovo issue, reiterating that Serbia will defend its position before the International Court of Justice.
He also noted that Belgrade will fight for its sovereignty through legal and political means, adding that Serbia highly appreciates Russia’s stance in this respect.
During his stay in Moscow Jeremic will also meet with the Russian President’s representative in the Central Federal District Georgi Poltavchenko.
Employees at diplomatic and consular offices and offices of international organisations, as well as members of their families, are allowed to stay on the territory of the other country during their entire mandate.
Citizens who have been granted temporary residence or those with a working permit will have the right to travel and reside in the country without visas, while for those who want to live in Russia there are other procedures and the migration services will not stall or hinder the process.
Jeremic said that Serbian citizens will have their passports stamped at Russian airports, adding that the agreement will come into force as soon as it is ratified by Serbian parliament and the two governments exchange diplomatic notes.
Lavrov said that 30 days for a visa-free stay in Russia is quite enough for cultural or business events, adding that the agreement will also help to increase the trade exchange between Serbia and Russia and facilitate travelling for businessmen from both countries.
He stressed thatp trade and economic cooperation between Serbia and Russia is developing fast and that their trade exchange last year surpassed $4 billion.
According to him, tourism will be an additional stimulus, while an important encouragement is expected from the signing of the free trade agreement, which will extend the list of products subject to the customs-free exchange.
The Russian Minister said that Russia will quickly conclude the procedures necessary for the visa-free regime to be enforced, adding that this should happen as soon as possible.
Jeremic reiterated that Belgrade and Moscow intend to sign an agreement on cultural cooperation in the near future, adding that Lavrov may visit Serbia on that occasion.
He noted that the agreement is in the final drafting stage, voicing his hope that it will soon be signed.
The Minister recalled that this year the Days of Serbian Culture will be held in Russia, as well as the Days of Russian Culture in Serbia.
Following the meeting with Lavrov, Jeremic said that the gas crisis showed the necessity of the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline.
Minister Jeremic said that both Serbia and Russia are satisfied with the realisation of the gas and oil agreement, adding that the project is of vital importance for Serbia.
Lavrov stressed that Russia will never recognise Kosovo-Metohija and will continue supporting Serbia in its efforts to preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
He said Russia feels that the Kosovo issue must be solved in line with Resolution 1244.
Minister Jeremic pointed out that the two sides share the same stance concerning the Kosovo issue, reiterating that Serbia will defend its position before the International Court of Justice.
He also noted that Belgrade will fight for its sovereignty through legal and political means, adding that Serbia highly appreciates Russia’s stance in this respect.
During his stay in Moscow Jeremic will also meet with the Russian President’s representative in the Central Federal District Georgi Poltavchenko.
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