Russia, EU sign visa agreement

SOCHI, Russia, May 25 (UPI) -- Russia and the European Union signed a visa agreement Thursday that streamlines procedures for travel between them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he believes the pact is a step toward travel without a visa, the Novosti News Agency reported.

"To start with, the simplified visa issuance procedure will be available to students, journalists, businessmen, culture activists, scientists and athletes," Putin said. "But this decision is the first step toward the introduction of visa-free regime for citizens of Russia and the European Union."