MOSCOW, July 6 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is considering signing an agreement with Israel to streamline visa procedures, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Wednesday.
"The Russian Foreign Ministry and other concerned agencies are studying the possibility of signing such an agreement," the Foreign Ministry said in the wake of a media debate about Israel's plans to facilitate visa procedures for Russians.
The ministry said the program prepared by Israel's tourism ministry to facilitate visa procedures for Russians was a pilot project that would be in force within a year.
"Therefore, it is premature to assess the program," the ministry said. "However, the idea, which among other things allows visa applications to be made via the Internet, is interesting."
The ministry said it welcomed Israel's desire to promote Russian-Israeli ties and exchanges, which is in line with the bilateral agreements signed during President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Israel.
"We are resolved to promote more intensive contacts between the two countries' citizens, which completely corresponds to the nature of our bilateral relations," the ministry said.
