OREANDA-NEWS. The Bolivian government decided to unilaterally abolish visa requirements for US and Israeli citizens. This was announced on Wednesday by the acting President of the South American Republic Jeanine Agnes.

“We should be open to the world, but this does not mean the loss of our cultural identity. Bolivia needs to increase the flow of tourists traveling to the country and the volume of foreign investment. In this regard, our government decided to cancel the entry visas for citizens of these two countries: USA and Israel which are very important for us", the Bolivian newspaper La Razon quoted her as saying.

Visas for Americans were introduced by the government of ex-President of Bolivia Evo Morales in 2007, for Israeli citizens in 2014. The abolition of visa requirements was another step by the Bolivian authorities to establish relations with the United States and Israel. In late November, Bolivia appointed for the first time since 2008 the ambassador of the republic in Washington, and also announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with Israel.

Presidential elections were held in Bolivia on October 20. According to the Higher Electoral Court, Morales, the current head of state, received the majority of the votes. His main rival, ex-president Carlos Mesa, said he would not recognize his opponent’s victory in the first round.