1. The 14th Republic of Korea-Russia meeting of the directors-general for consular affairs took place in Seoul on June 23, co-chaired by Director-General for Overseas Koreans and Consular Affairs Kweon Ki-hwan and Deputy Director of the Consular Department Andrey L. Podelyshev of the ROK and Russian Foreign Ministries, respectively.

2. In the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress in the implementation of the bilateral Agreement on the Mutual Abolition of Visa Requirements for Holders of Ordinary Passports and other consular agreements; looked into a possible conclusion of new agreements with the aim to step up consular cooperation; and engaged in a constructive discussion on bilateral consular issues, including ways to better protect rights and interests and better ensure the safety of their nationals staying in each other’s countries.

3. With regard to the “Eurasia Friendship Express 2015” to travel from July 14 through August 2 and across six cities in Russia, the ROK side asked the Consular Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry to render strong support for a smooth and safe implementation of the event.

4. The two sides, recognizing the importance of sharing information and exchanging views through regular consultations, agreed to hold the next meeting in Moscow at an appropriate time in 2016.


* unofficial translation