Russia, EU agree on partnership accord

Russia and the European Union have reached final agreement on a wide-ranging partnership accord that is to be unveiled at a summit in Moscow on Tuesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and EU leaders are to publicly present the cooperation agreement, which aims to deepen ties especially in the economic sphere, where Europe's thirst for energy and Russia's need for investment dovetail.

"Final agreement has been reached on the text for the 'roadmaps' of Russia-EU common spaces," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The statement said the two sides had agreed to continue parallel negotiations on an accord that would ease EU visa restrictions for Russian citizens in return for Russia promising to take back all nationals who enter the European Union illegally from Russia.

The accord encompasses security, economic and humanitarian issues and aims to enhance cooperation in transport, energy and regional conflict resolution as well as harmonize legal standards and promote trade and investment.

AP