"We are making good or little progress with these or those countries," the diplomat said.
Readmission agreements imply mutual obligations of contracting parties to readmit their citizens, citizens of third countries or stateless persons who reside without proper authorization in each other's territories.
According to the deputy minister, the readmission problem is important and global. "Russia concluded only one agreement on readmission with Latvia. This agreement was a part of the Kaliningrad transit package," Chizhov said. This agreement came into force about two years ago but no readmission cases have been fixed since then.
"Russia has extended borders, therefore, we are interested in readmission agreements with the European Union and other neighbors. Relevant talks are currently underway with the CIS and other countries," Chizhov noted.
In his opinion, the European Union is also facing the problem of readmission. "The EU has a readmission agreement with only one country, Sri Lanka, and with two territories, Hong Kong and Macao. The agreement with Albania was signed but not ratified. Brussels is holding talks on readmission agreement with 12 countries, including the CIS members," the Russian diplomat reported.
If the EU signs a readmission agreement with China, it will simplify the task for Russia, he said. "For instance, persons entering the EU without a permission will be readmitted by the countries with which the EU has relevant agreements, not necessarily to Russia even if they came from its territory," he added.