Putin ordered the ministry to hold talks with the European Commission and to sign a document on behalf of the Russian Federation should talks be successful. He also told the ministry to sign a readmission agreement following talks with the EC, and if necessary to make minor amendments to a draft agreement approved by the government earlier this month.
Russia and the European Union reached agreements on easing visa regulations and readmission to Russia of immigrants who entered the EU illegally from the country at their October summit in London. However, it was not clear whether the readmission issue had been settled completely, as Putin said that Russia had not surrendered its position on a readmission agreement with the European Union, but only modified its stance.
The agreements would see Russia and the EU relax their visa requirements for certain categories of people, including students, researchers, politicians, diplomats, and businessmen.
On readmission, Russia had previously refused to readmit citizens of third countries who entered the EU from Russia, for fear they would stay in the country.
European Commission Vice President Franco Frattini said last week that Russia and the European Union would sign agreements on simplifying visa and readmission regulations during or even before the Russia-EU summit set for May 25 at Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi.
