The Italian ambassador proposed a provocation to Russia
If Russia unilaterally cancels visas for Europeans, it will thereby push the European Union to a similar step in relation to Russian citizens.
Italian Ambassador to Russia Pasquale Terracciano stated this in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, answering the question when and under what conditions Italy will simplify the visa regime for Russians.
The diplomat noted that the tourist flow from Russia to Italy is growing again and has returned to the level of 2013, and by the end of 2018, about 900 thousand Russian tourists are expected to visit Italy.
“We now issue about half a million visas a year. Our goal is to show maximum flexibility in issuing visas to citizens of the Russian Federation. Of course, there are restrictions that are associated with Italy's participation in the Schengen Agreement. But we adhere to the policy of issuing maximum long-term visas, including in order to encourage Russians to visit Italy more than once,” the publication’s interlocutor said.
At the same time, he emphasized that Italy would like to have no visa regime with the Russian Federation at all, and about 10 years ago, within the framework of the European Union, with the instigation of Rome, this decision was almost achieved.
At the same time, answering the publication’s question, he said that his answer would be a little provocative.
“And my provocation is to propose that the Russian Federation unilaterally cancel visas for Europeans, thereby pushing the European Union to do the same,” said Pasquale Terracciano.
As PolitNavigator reported, the Italian ambassador previously admitted that Italians are willing to travel even to Siberia for the sake of cooperation with Russia.
Italian Ambassador Proposes Provocation to Russia