British Foreign Secretary on working visit in Moscow

On Tuesday British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw arrives in Moscow on a working visit, RIA Novosti learned from the Russian Foreign Ministry's information and press department.

During his two-day visit Straw will meet his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov. This will be the first full-scale meeting of the two foreign ministers in the last twelve months, it was pointed out.

Economy is a priority for Moscow in Russian-British relations. Noting the high pace of bilateral development, the Russian party advocates diversification of economic interaction, the ministry's statement reads.

Other topics on the agenda include joint anti-terrorist fight, cooperation in chemical weapons destruction and utilization of Russia's decomissioned nuclear submarines.

As to international problems, the parties will discuss the situation in Iraq and the Middle East and issues of Afghanistan's restoration, the ministry reported.

Apart from this, they will discuss partnership with Great Britain in the G8 format, where Russia will replace Britain as president in 2006.

The two ministers are expected to meet on Wednesday, July 7th. Straw will also hold talks with Secretary of the Russian Security Council Igor Ivanov.

On the same day the Foreign Secretary will leave the Russian capital.