Turkey and Russia will sign a visa removal agreement next week. The deal is expected during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Turkey on May 11-12.

"The consulates of the two countries have initialed the agreement to lift visa procedures," Turkey's Ambassador to Russia Halil Akinci said.

Akinci said Russia had requested small changes in the editing of the agreement.

“However, Medvedev and Turkish President Abdullah Gul could sign the agreement without waiting for domestic approval process to end,” Akinci said.

Transitions between Turkey and Russia without any visa are expected to begin within this year.