Putin: China-Russia Visa-Free Policy Will Bring a Multiplier Increase in Tourists
On October 2, Putin stated at the Valdai Forum that Russia will also take visa-exemption measures toward China:
Regarding our reciprocal measures, I have already said when I visited China that we would take completely reciprocal actions. To be honest, I just had a conversation with our foreign minister, who first said, "We have already implemented it," and then added, "but I need to confirm again." Of course, administrative procedures vary from country to country, but it is certain that even if it has not been fully implemented yet, we will definitely implement it.
China's announcement of a visa-free policy for Russian citizens was an unexpected move for us, but it is an initiative proposed by the Chinese President, a pleasant surprise.
What impact will this have? I believe it will inevitably be positive, because the foundation of relations between countries ultimately relies on people-to-people exchanges. Russians traveling to China for tourism, research or education purposes will certainly increase significantly, even by an order of magnitude; the number of Chinese travelers going to Russia will also rise sharply.
First of all, this will undoubtedly promote mutual visits of tourists between the two countries - Russian tourists will get to know life in China, and Chinese tourists will step into Russia. But in fact, this is a fundamental measure. We welcome it enthusiastically and will work wholeheartedly to push forward this process.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844916563405900/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.