Ankara: Russia is working with a number of friendly countries to further ease travel and visa requirements, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. Speaking at a press briefing in the city of Syktyvkar in Komi region, Zakharova said Russia was continuing talks with interested countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zakharova stated, "We are actively and consistently working with colleagues from friendly countries to further simplify travel conditions for citizens." She highlighted a mutual visa-free agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia that took effect on May 1. Furthermore, Zakharova mentioned that President Vladimir Putin had discussed the possibility of making Russia's visa-free regime with China permanent during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Bishkek on August 31. This comes in light of a sharp increase in tourism and humanitarian exchanges with China since visa requirements were temporarily eased for certain types of travel.

Turning to international security concerns, Zakharova addressed the ongoing confrontation with NATO, emphasizing Russia's readiness to utilize a full range of military-technical means to counter threats from the alliance in the Arctic. She asserted that if necessary, the Russian Federation is prepared to take action to eliminate emerging threats.

Zakharova noted that the Foreign Ministry, along with the Defense Ministry and other relevant agencies, was closely monitoring NATO's activities in the Arctic and preparing response measures in advance. She pointed out that NATO has heightened its military activity near Russia's northern borders, which includes large-scale exercises and changes to its command-and-control structure, describing these activities as a direct security threat to Russia.

Despite the tensions, Zakharova stated that Moscow remains open to dialogue on security issues with countries interested in preserving peace and stability and promoting the development of the Arctic.