Putin cancels APEC visas for foreigners from forum countries

Russian President Vladimir Putin has canceled visas for entry into Russia for foreigners - holders of cards for business and business trips from the countries participating in the forum "Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation", the press service of the Kremlin reported on Thursday.

"To establish that foreign citizens - holders of cards for business and official trips to the countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, on the reverse side of which there is a code name "RUS", enter the Russian Federation and leave the Russian Federation without visas on the basis of valid documents certifying their identity and recognized by the Russian Federation in this capacity, and these cards," the decree says.

At the same time, in the case of a decision regarding cardholders about the “undesirability of their stay in the Russian Federation”, they will be obliged to leave the country, the document emphasizes.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum is attended by 21 countries. APEC aims to boost economic growth and cooperation in the region. APEC member countries are home to about 40% of the world’s population, accounting for approximately 54% of global GDP. Russia has been a member of the forum since 1998.

The chairmanship of APEC passed to Russia from the United States in 2002. The APEC 2012 summit will be held in Vladivostok in September.

Source: RIA Novosti