MOSCOW, June 7 (RIA Novosti) - Russia intends to review a number of agreements with China to prevent illegal migrants from entering the country, the foreign minister said Wednesday.
"We are planning to revise a number of agreements that allow visa-free entry for tourists," Sergei Lavrov said.
He said the move would help block illegal shuttle traders and individuals with criminal ties from entering Russia.
Russia's Interior Ministry says there are between 400,000 and 700,000 illegal Chinese migrants in Russia's Far East.
But Lavrov said the agenda of talks with China was not just confined to illegal migrants or crime.
"China is our strategic partner and a rapidly growing power with bright prospects, and it is in our interests to maintain friendly and mutually beneficial relations with our large neighbor," Lavrov said.
