MOSCOW - The Russian government has approved agreements with France and Italy on easier visa rules. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting on Thursday. The agreements are aimed at boosting student exchange and contacts between officials, businessmen, scientists, cultural figures and sportsmen.

The documents were drafted at the initiative of Russian President Vladimir Putin and in accordance with a joint statement by Russian and Italian Foreign Ministers.

They introduce new rules regulating the entry of foreign citizens into Russia and their staying in the country. In particular, entry visas for French citizens will be issued on the grounds of requests from Russian ministries, regional administrations and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In this case, French citizens will not need invitations, as envisaged in Article 16 of the federal law “On the legal status of foreign nationals in the Russian Federation”. Those foreigners who have multiple visas, will be able to stay in Russia for 5 years. Foreign nationals will also have the right to leave the Russian Federation freely.

The implementation of these agreements will not require additional spending.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called the agreements a breakthrough in Russia’s relations with the Schengen countries. According to him, France and Italy are also expected to sign the documents shortly.