Russian Diplomat: Moscow, London To Realise Political Potential

High on the Moscow-London agenda is realisation of the political potential accumulated over the past years, and promotion of the economic cooperation up to the political level. Spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry Alexander Yakovenko said as much Thursday on the eve of an official Moscow visit by British prime minister Tony Blair. Great Britain ranks forth among Russia's most important trade and economic partners abroad, and fifth in terms of investment in Russia's economy. Great Britain shares 3.5 percent of Russia's foreign trade turnover and some 7 percent of the total foreign investment. British accumulated investment in Russia's national economy totals 2.7 billion dollars. Russia's exports to Great Britain account for over 4.5 billion dollars, and imports--for 0.8 billion. According to Alexander Yakovenko, Russia's recent exports growth was largely owing to raw materials supplies and favourable market conditions.