Russia is working on establishing visa-free travel agreements with nine African and Middle Eastern countries, according to Alexei Klimov, head of the Consular Department of Russian diplomacy. While the exact timeline for completing these agreements is uncertain, Klimov stated that negotiations with each partner country are at varying stages.
Moscow has previously indicated its intention to simplify visa regimes with several African nations, including Zimbabwe, in a broader effort to deepen ties with the continent. These visa-free agreements are expected to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between Russia and African countries.
Currently, Russia already has visa-free regimes with several African nations, including Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Tunisia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Morocco. This move comes as Russia expands its influence in Africa, particularly in Sahel countries that have experienced political shifts.