DRESDEN, October 10 (RIA Novosti) - Russia needs $500 million and two-three years to ensure the security of its southern borders, President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday.
He said it was necessary for the introduction of a visa-free regime.
Russia and the European Union signed an agreement on visa facilitation at the Russia-EU summit in the southern Russian resort city of Sochi May 25. The agreement introduced relaxed visa requirements for certain categories of people for stays of up to 90 days.
"Russia will make every effort to transfer to visa-free exchanges," Putin said, adding that EU and German demands on the issue were just.
Putin said any country wishing to ensure the total security of its external borders needs time and money.
