Events

MINSK, 19 September (BelTA) - Belarus and Israel signed an intergovernmental agreement to lift visa requirements for ordinary passport holders in Minsk on 19 September, BelTA has learned.

On behalf of Belarus the document was inked by Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei, on behalf of Israel - by Minister of Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver.

After the signing ceremony, Vladimir Makei told journalists that the visa-free travel regime between the countries will foster the development of economic cooperation. It will also help establish and strengthen ties between ordinary people. Vladimir Makei believes that the agreement will significantly contribute to the tourism cooperation. “Taking into account the existing direct flight connection, we can expect that the ties between our countries will vigorously develop. The agreement proves the high level and friendly character of Belarus-Israel relations,” he noted.

The Belarusian Foreign Minister said that Belarus and Israel are constantly in an active dialogue. “We thoroughly coordinate our positions in various cooperation fields,” he noted.

Vladimir Makei said that the visa exemption agreement will become an important contribution to “the firm foundation of Belarus-Israel cooperation”. He also explained that once the agreement comes into force, the citizens of Belarus and Israel will be able to spend up to 90 days within a six-month period in the corresponding country.