The Iranian ambassador to Russia said that the countries can introduce a visa-free regime in 2023
Moscow and Tehran may agree on the introduction of a visa-free regime in 2023, Iran is waiting for a response from the Russian side on this issue and is ready to cancel visas as soon as possible. This was stated on Monday by Iranian Ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali at a press conference.
"There is such a prospect," he said, answering a question from TASS about whether the countries can agree on the introduction of a visa-free regime in 2023.
"We agree with the abolition of visas between the two countries. And even took steps on our part on this issue. We are waiting for the opinion of Russian officials. If Russia, too, like us, would declare that there is such a readiness, we could announce a visa-free regime in a short time," the Iranian diplomat said, IRNA reports.
Jalali expressed confidence that the trade turnover between the two countries could grow significantly if Moscow and Tehran manage to eliminate a number of existing obstacles.
"As for our capabilities, of course, we will be able to increase it (trade turnover) to 20, 30, 40 billion dollars. Of course, we can do it," the ambassador said. However, according to Jalali, Russia and Iran need to remove a number of obstacles in order to achieve the desired volume of bilateral trade.
Among the difficulties currently available, the Iranian diplomat mentioned logistical obstacles. Thus, according to Jalali, the greatest problems for the transit of goods arise in the area in the Caspian Sea, where "goods are delayed." Also, in his opinion, it is necessary to expand the existing automobile supply routes and pay attention to the development of railway infrastructure.
As Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak reported in November, in the first eight months of 2022, the trade turnover between Russia and Iran increased by 36.4% and increased to $3.3 billion.
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