Kejan Haynes
Russian media is reporting Trinidad and Tobago is among 11 countries in talks to create visa-free agreements. According to the reports, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov said that the other countries include other Caricom nations like Haiti, Barbados and The Bahamas.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Yevgeny Ivanov is quoted in Russian media as saying the Russian government was preparing draft intergovernmental agreements on visa-free travel.
"The agreements are at various stages of development," Ivanov reportedly said. "However, it is important to understand that the process of negotiating such international treaties is a 'two-way street' and the pace at which they are signed depends equally on us and on our partners."
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov was the first to announce the proposed plan back in February as part of the e-visa program which the government hopes to restart date by June 1.
Currently, Trinidad and Tobago citizens are required to have a visa when travelling to Russia but Russian citizens can enter Trinidad and Tobago with just a valid passport.
Other countries on the proposed list include Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Zambia, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Mexico.
International relations experts have seen the move as Russia's attempt to show it still holds Diplomatic weight, even as the unpopular war in Ukraine rages on.
Guardian Media has reached out to Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Amery Browne for comment.
