Visa waiver for Chinese citizens to take effect in Russia in near future - Putin

MOSCOW. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Reciprocal measures regarding a visa waiver for Chinese citizens will take effect in Russia in the near future, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The decision of our Chinese friends to introduce a visa-free system for Russian citizens will certainly contribute to further stepping up contacts between our peoples. We are grateful for this gesture of goodwill. On our part, reciprocal measures will take effect in the very near future for citizens of the People's Republic of China traveling to Russia," Putin said at a meeting with Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang.

Putin expressed confidence that this would lead to very serious positive consequences both in the economic and humanitarian sectors. "In my opinion, this will be such a good, positive boost in the development of our relations," Putin said.