BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- The visa-free travel agreement between Brunei and Russia marks a major step forward in the bilateral relations, Vladlen Semivolos, the Ambassador of Russian Federation to Brunei said.
"This remarkable event marks a major step forward in the bilateral relations which will serve as a driving force for the development of multifaceted ties between our countries," local media quoted the ambassador's comment as saying on Saturday.
"Until now, the privilege of visa-free travel was enjoyed only by diplomats and holders of official or service passports. And today we are proud to announce that all citizens of Russia and Brunei who hold ordinary passports no longer need to worry about visa formalities," Vladlen Semivolos said.
According to the Agreement between the government of Brunei Darussalam and the government of the Russian Federation on Mutual Exemption of Visa Requirements for Holders of Ordinary Passports, the citizens of the two countries holding valid ordinary passports may enter into, exit from, transit through and uninterruptedly stay in the territory of the other country without visas for a period not exceeding 14 days from the date of entry, provided that the stay is not to be used for employment, study or engagement in any kind of income-generating activity.
The ambassador also said that the signing of the agreement on Wednesday on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Da Nang, Vietnam is a result of dedicated efforts by Russia and Brunei to facilitate cooperation in various fields.
"We are sure that visa exemption will encourage further exchange between Russian and Bruneian entrepreneurs helping to implement mutually beneficial projects," he added.
