How will Russia interact with Baltic region during European Union's expansion?

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov is to discuss Russia's interaction with the Baltic region in the context of the European Union's expansion at the twelfth session of the Council of Baltic Sea States June 10-11 in Pori, Finland. This session will involve regional ministers.

The session will take place against the background of a decision to admit additional countries, including four members of the Council of Baltic Sea States, i.e. Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, into the EU, Alexander Yakovenko, who serves as the Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokesman, noted.

In his words, Russia would like to ensure dialogue on topical issues and long-term regional prospects, perceiving this as the main task of its participation in the Council's activities.

The list of Russian priorities includes expanded regional cooperation in such areas as the economy, energy, environmental protection, transportation, information technologies and health care, Yakovenko explained.

According to Yakovenko, Moscow also advocates cooperation with regional countries in the struggle against terrorism and organized crime.

The Russian side devotes special attention to ensuring civil liberties and human rights, ethnic-minority rights included, the high-ranking diplomat said in conclusion.