Beijing, China: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow will mirror Beijing's decision to introduce visa-free travel for Russian citizens. The statement came on Friday during his address at an economic forum in Vladivostok.

China recently declared that it will allow visa-free entry for Russian nationals holding regular passports on a trial basis. The policy, set to begin on September 15, will last for one year and permit visits of up to 30 days.

Currently, both nations already operate a mutual visa-free system for organized tour groups. Under that agreement, only licensed travel agencies from Russia and China can arrange trips, and the groups must consist of at least five members and no more than fifty.

In a series of high-level talks in China, President Xi Jinping and Putin emphasized their strong personal and political relationship, referring to each other as “old friends.” The discussions took place amid ongoing challenges linked to U.S. trade tariffs.

Alongside the visa policy announcements, both leaders endorsed further energy cooperation. Reports indicate that Putin and Xi signed a memorandum to construct a new natural gas pipeline to China. Additionally, Russia's state gas giant reached fresh agreements with a Chinese state energy enterprise to expand supplies through existing channels.