Russia and Britain intend to give a political impetus to the simplification of the visa regime between the countries, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.
"Today we agreed to give a political impetus to this dialogue," Lavrov said at a joint press-conference with his British counterpart William Hague.
"We want conditions for trips for our citizens to be simplified to the maximum, most likely from certain categories such as business circles and participants of cultural and educational exchanges," he continued.
Russia and Britain also agreed to upgrade a hotline for special communications between the leaders of the two countries, Hague said.
"This modernization is very important," he said.
Lavrov is currently on a visit to London for talks with Hague to discuss economic relations and visa issues, as well as preparation for Prime Minister David Cameron's visit to Moscow.
The lead-up to his visit was overshadowed by the expulsion and then readmission of Guardian journalist Luke Harding to Russia. The row led to calls for Lavrov to be refused admission to the U.K.
MOSCOW, February 15 (RIA Novosti)
