Russia To Participate In G-8 Meeting

It is expected that Russia will participate in the G-8 meeting in the extended format, said Russian Vice Premier and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin after his negotiations with U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill. Apart from the traditional discussion of Russia's economic development, Mr. Kudrin will also participate in discussions of thwarting financial provision to international terrorism. An invitation to this discussion had been received by Mr. Kudrin in Moscow and was confirmed by the U.S. Treasury Secretary during his meeting with his Russian counterpart. Mr. Kudrin stressed that Russia's expanded participation in the G-8 meeting of finance ministers is connected to the actual agenda of the meeting. At the same time, the Russian vice premier stated that conditions are being gradually created for intensifying Russia's participation in G-8 meetings. "It will not necessarily happen at the next meeting," Mr. Kudrin said, "but Russia's engagement in the world economy by joining the World Trade Organisation, as well as various international conventions and standards creates such preconditions." However, Mr. Kudrin added, it will take time.