Putin For Expanding Contacts Between Russia And Gabon

The leaders of Russia and Gabon are currently negotiating in the Kremlin. Opening the meeting, Vladimir Putin said that it was high time to expand contacts between the two countries at a summit level. According to the Russian head of state, today's negotiations will discuss prospects for bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sphere. The Russian leader remarked that the oil sector was largest in Gabon's industry while Russian experts hold a leading position in this domain. Development of other mineral resources and agricultural cooperation might be included in the agenda of the talks, said Putin. The Russian president suggested that the sides discuss the current world order. He reminded that in his report to the UN Millennium Summit, Gabon's president had emphasised the complex situation Africa has been enduring for quite a few years now and that the continuous conflicts amounted to a permanent war. Putin showed interest in the opinion of Gabon's leader on the current situation in Africa. He also reminded that Russia took an active part in the UN peace-keeping operations -- Russians are engaged in 11 UN operations out of 15. Vladimir Putin thanked once again Gabon's authorities for the great assistance they rendered to Russian citizens during their evacuation from Kongo in 1997. The Russian head of state also expressed his utmost gratitude to the high profile guest for the hearty welcome of Russian MPs in the end of last year. Russian law-makers expect their colleagues in Gabon to pay a return visit, Putin said. In turn, Gabon's President Omar Bongo underscored that Russia and Gabon alike should intensify bilateral relations.

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