Agreement on easing trips for Russian, German nationals may be prepared before year's end

An agreement on making easier trips for the citizens of Russia and Germany may be drafted before the end of this year, said Russian Interior Minister Boris Gryzlov.

The development of the economy and the relations between the two countries has necessitated the signing of such a document, said Gryzlov, commenting on the joint statement on easing trips for the citizens of Russia to the FRG and the citizens of the FRG to Russia.

The minister pointed out that the agreement would provide for a higher degree of the protection of the documents that identify the given person. As to the biometrical data, which will be included into the documents, a special agreement will be concluded on them, said Gryzlov.

On Thursday in Yekaterinburg, in the presence of the Russian President and the German Chancellor, the Foreign and Interior Ministers of Russia and Germany signed a joint statement on easing trips for Russian and German citizens.