Russia’s President: "Return of visa-free regime for Georgian citizens is possible"

Russia could abolish visa requirements for Georgian citizens, Russian media report.

Yesterday, Russian news website Sputnik wrote that Russian President Vladimir Putin said return of the visa-free regime with Russia for Georgian citizens was possible.

"I do not rule out the possibility of the return of the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens coming to Russia. I think there is every reason for it," Putin said during his annual news conference.

"Moreover, we see certain signals from various governing structures in Georgia," he added.

Putin noted that "it is extremely important to establish normal relationship between the special services and law enforcement agencies [of the two countries], in order not to allow this [possible] visa-free regime harm our security."

"I think, it’s more than real," he said.

Currently Russian citizens don’t need to have a visa to come to Georgia, while Georgians need to obtain a visa to cross the Russian border. Georgia unilaterally abolished visa requirements for Russian citizens in 2011, which was followed by Russia simplifying its visa requirements for Georgians in 2013.

I response to Putin’s statements yesterday, Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze said Georgia would welcome abolition of visas with Russia if respective steps were made.

He added despite all the issues between the countries, Georgia was prepared to continue the dialogue and take efforts for solving the problems stage-by-stage.

"If Russia makes further steps regarding the issue, we will welcome them. But it is the prerogative of Russia," Abashidze said.

He added Georgia had proven itself to be a safe country so security issues were not really a concern.