In Russia India's Prime Minister Intends To Discuss Cooperation Priorities

In the course of negotiations with the Russian leadership the Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee is going to focus on the development of bilateral relations, deepening of mutual understanding in political issues and expansion of economic cooperation, said Vajpayee at the Indira Gandhi international airport on Sunday before departure to Russia. The Indian premier hopes that his Russian visit will make a qualitative contribution to the further development of bilateral relations. Their priorities were shaped during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India in October 2000 and formulated in the then-undersigned Declaration of Political and Strategic Partnership. Vajpayee said he is going to hold with the Russian leadership a broad exchange of opinions on regional and international issues. Vajpayee noted that after his Russian visit he plans to make a working trip to the United States on invitation from President George W. Bush.