21 May 2010, 18:00
Abkhazia's parliament ratified visa-free travel accord with Russia
Agreement between the governments of Abkhazia and the Russian Federation on mutual visa-free travel, which the parliament of Abkhazia has ratified today, envisages a visa-free travel of citizens of both republics for up to 90 days, including holders of both foreign and internal passports and sailor IDs, as well as children below the age of 14.
It should be noted that the agreement, which was signed by the foreign ministers of Russia and Abkhazia Sergei Lavrov and Sergei Shamba, in Sukhumi on October 2, 2009, was supposed to come into force 30 days later, but was not ratified until recently due to the required improvements both in Russia and Abkhazia.
The agreement will help promote joint projects, investment and trade between Russia and Abkhazia, contributing to economic growth and forging closer ties between people in both states, Dmitry Shamba, the Abkhaz president's representative in parliament, said at the meeting.
Author: Anzhela Kuchuberia Source: CK correspondent
