Russian President Vladimir Putin is expanding Moscow’s diplomatic outreach in the Gulf as Russia holds visa-free travel talks with Bahrain and Kuwait, two countries that host key U.S. military facilities. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko said Moscow was working to remove entry visa requirements for travellers between Russia and the two Gulf states, according to TASS. The discussions come amid heightened regional tensions and reports of Iranian attacks affecting Gulf countries that host American forces. Bahrain is home to the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and Naval Forces Central Command, while Kuwait hosts multiple U.S. military bases. Russia already has visa-free travel arrangements with Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. If agreements with Bahrain and Kuwait are finalised, the arrangements could extend across six Gulf states, strengthening travel links between Moscow and the region.
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