The Federation Council on Wednesday approved two key agreements with the United States, an adoptions pact and a treaty on visas.
The long-awaited treaties will now go to President Vladimir Putin for final approval.
U.S. and Russian officials have praised the agreements, which are designed to make bilateral adoptions safer and to increase travel and trade between the two countries.
The adoption agreement was prompted by a series of high-profile abuse scandals involving Russian orphans and their U.S. adoptive parents.
Under the new visa deal, both countries will grant three-year visas to tourists and businesspeople.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
