First Package Of Agreements On The Settlement Of Russian Debts To Spain Covers 100 Million Dollars

The first package of agreements on the settlement of Russia's debts to Spain covers 100 million dollars, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Khristenko said on Thursday after his meeting with Spanish Ambassador to Moscow J. Robles. According to Khristenko, the meeting, held at the Government House, focused on the conclusion of consultations on the launching of a mechanism of the repayment of Russian debts to Spain with goods supplies. At present, the two countries are concluding work on agreements to protect mutual investments, which are expected to be signed by February 2002, Khristenko said. The parties also discussed some details of the Spanish prime minister's future visit to Moscow, scheduled for next May, including the holding of a business conference involving Russian and Spanish business people. Other issues discussed at the meeting included the development of a political dialogue between Russia and Spain, the formation of a single economic space in Europe, the energy dialogue, and the expansion of the European Economic Community.