According to Alexei Klimov, head of #Russian diplomacy’s Consular Department, #Moscow is preparing visa-free agreements with nine #African and Middle Eastern countries.

The timing for finalizing the accords remains uncertain, as negotiations with partner countries are at various stages.

Klimov stated that updates on progress in this area would be shared after they were established in written bilateral agreements.

Previously, Russia’s Foreign Ministry declared that it was in talks with many African countries, including Zimbabwe, to simplify visa regimes.

Moscow currently has visa-free agreements with Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, São Tomé and Príncipe, Tunisia, and Morocco.

Russia has been making advances in Africa, notably in Sahel countries that have seen coups.

Sources: AP