By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

Russia’s president signed a decree on Wednesday to lift visa requirements for Turkish service passport holders and truck drivers travelling to Russia.

According to the document signed into force by Vladimir Putin, the decree came into effect as of Feb. 6.

The new rules are valid for Turkish citizens with special passports on "short-term business trips," including to diplomatic missions and consular offices, as well as "professional drivers engaged in international cargo transportation."

It added that the measures were valid under the principle of mutuality.