Vladimir Putin To Take Part In Russia-European Union Summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is completing his first official visit to Belgium, on Wednesday will take part in the 8th summit of Russia and the European Union which is opening in Brussels. As was pointed out by an informed source in the Russian delegation, the agenda of the summit includes issues of joint fight against international terrorism and economic cooperation between Russia and the European Union. Speaking about the joint fight against international terrorism, the source told RIA Novosti that the discussion of this issue may be summed up in "a joint declaration on combating terrorism." According to him, this declaration will reflect the points of view of Russia and the European Union on coordinating international efforts in fighting terrorism. Talking about economic cooperation between Russia and the European Union, the source pointed out that "the summit in Brussels is called upon to put a seal of finality on the expert stage of the energy dialogue between Russia and the European Union which was started in November 2000 in Paris." The leaders of Russia and the European Union are expected to take a decision, proceeding from the results of the discussions, on continuing the energy dialogue on a higher, official, level within the framework of the special committee on energy cooperation. As the source told RIA Novosti, the aim of the body, which is being set up, will be "working out short-term and strategic measures for increasing cooperation in the sphere of energy and strengthening the energy security of Europe." In discussing questions of economic cooperation between Russia and the European Union the sides will touch upon the question of partnership of Russia and the European Union in the scientific-technologica! ! l sphere. According to the source, Russia is ready to offer the European Union the results of "Russian fundamental research and joint commercialisation of technological developments, in particular, in the conversion spheres." The Russian side also intends to propose to its European partners to exchange high technologies - for instance, to cooperate in the exploration of outer space. The sides will also consider "the most promising project - the use of booster rockets in the space centre in Kourou in the French Guiana. Apart from that, Russian President Vladimir Putin and NATO Secretary General George Robertson will meet in the Egmont Palace. As was pointed out by sources in the Russian delegation, the Russian President will set forth Russia's point of view on the situation which is arising in Europe and in the world after the terrorist attacks in the USA on September 11 and on its partnership with the North Atlantic Alliance.