TEHRAN (FNA)- Head of Russia's State Agency for Tourism Oleg Safonov said the country has started working toward abolition of visa requirements for Iran and India.

Safanov stated that his country would take quick steps in simplifying visa procedures, adding they are willing to increase Iranian and Indian tourists in Russia.

According to Russia's State Agency for Tourism, Iran is among first 20 countries visiting Russia each year. More than 35,000 visas have been issued for Iranians last year, and predictions suggest that this number will increase by two times next year.

Safonov has also said Iran was one of the safest places for his country’s citizens.

Iran’s envoy to Russia has already said after the signing of an agreement on easing visa requirements in 2015, this will be a step toward abolition of visas for tourist groups.

The two countries have stepped up their tourism cooperation in recent months.

By Fars News Agency