Vanuatu authorities to sign an agreement on cancelling visa regime with Russia - Foreign Minister

SYDNEY, March 30. /TASS/. The authorities of Vanuatu intend to sign an agreement on cancelling the visa regime with Russia, Vanuatu’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade told TASS in the run-up to his official visit to Moscow. "One thing I’m hoping to conclude with Russian partners this time is visa-waiver arrangements," Kilman said. "This will allow Russian visitors, many tourists and businessmen, to come to Vanuatu without visas. I hope to sign a visa agreement while being in Moscow." Sato Kilman also pointed to Russia’s growing role in the Asia and Pacific region. "Russia has got a lot to offer to Pacific countries, including Vanuatu," the minister said. "I want to explore in Moscow all possible options, which are available across all sectors. I’d like to see Russian technologies, Russian investment in Vanuatu." He added that the Republic of Vanuatu which had been hit by the tropical cyclone Pam earlier this month was in dire need of assistance. On Sunday, the Russian Emergencies Ministry dispatched to Vanuatu two Ilyushin Il-76 planes with humanitarian assistance. The total cargo weight is more than 60 tons, it includes sugar, dairy products, canned meat and fish, as well as mobile power stations, tents, blankets and daily necessities. The Russian planes are due to land in Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila on Wednesday morning. Vanuatu’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade is arriving in Moscow on Monday. On Tuesday, he will hold talks with Russia’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov. This will be the first official visit by a Cabinet minister of the Pacific republic to Moscow. Read more