Russia is preparing to ease visa procedures for Turkish citizens, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov said on Saturday.

The deputy foreign minister reportedly told Sputnik that Russia is ready to facilitate easier visa formalities for businesspeople working with Russia, while he noted that it is also important to work in this regard for Turkish truck drivers.

Regarding visa procedures for airline staff, Meshkov said that they are currently in the final stage of discussions regarding visa procedures for airline staff.

Russia had imposed economic sanctions, including the suspension of visa-free travel, on Turkey at the start of last year.

Last week, the Russian government signed a decree allowing visa-free travel to the country's far eastern Vladivostok city for 18 countries, including Turkey.