Ammon News - Jordan and Russia signed a joint agreement on Wednesday to exempt citizens of both countries from visa requirements, enabling them to enhance humanitarian exchanges, encourage tourism, and expand bilateral trade ties.

This came according to a joint statement issued by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow.

Last Sunday, the Cabinet approved an agreement between the Jordanian government and the Russian Federation regarding the mutual waiver of visa requirements for citizens of both countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries and open new horizons to serve their common interests.

Safadi said that the discussions with Lavrov covered the situation in the Middle East and ways to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.

The two ministers held extensive discussions on developing bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation between Jordan and Russia in various fields.

The talks addressed regional developments, particularly efforts to achieve a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, end the aggression, and ensure the immediate and adequate delivery of humanitarian aid to the besieged Strip.

Russian-Jordanian Higher Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation plays an important role in strengthening bilateral trade cooperation, Lavrov stated.

Lavrov noted that the next session of its 7th meeting will be held in Moscow before the end of this year, chaired by Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.

On September 11, 2017, an agreement was signed in Amman between Jordan and Russia on the abolition of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, special, and official passports.

The agreement entered into force on January 25, 2018.