(Communicated by the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson)
The tremendous importance attributed by the State of Israel and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the reciprocal agreement canceling the tourist visa requirement between Israel and the Russian Federation was emphasized by Pinchas Avivi, Deputy Director General - Division for Central Europe and Eurasia, and Yigal Tzarfati, Head of the Consular Affairs Bureau, at a press conference they headed jointly today (Wednesday, 17 September 2008).
D-G Avivi said that this was indeed an important and historic event, which will no doubt strengthen not only the economic and tourism relations between the two countries, but will also continue the development of relations between the two peoples at all levels, including the political level.
D-G Avivi detailed the complex and intimate relationship that already exists between the two countries, from the aspect of the intensive, daily political dialogue that takes place at the most senior levels on both sides, as well as the people-to-people interaction. Avivi expressed his hope that the new agreement would continue to develop and expand this extensive system of relationships.