AsianFin -- Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday at the Eastern Economic Forum that Russia will implement a reciprocal visa-free policy for Chinese citizens, following China’s plan to trial visa-free entry for Russian nationals.

Putin described the move as a demonstration of the close friendship between the two nations. “We highly value our relationship with China,” he said, noting that the policy would significantly boost people-to-people exchanges and create a favorable environment for trade and business cooperation.

The reciprocal visa-free arrangement is expected to further deepen bilateral ties, making travel and commercial interactions between Russia and China easier.