Russia's debt in focus of Russia-Germany consultations

The Russian-German consultations taking place in the Mariinsky Palace of St. Petersburg are highlighting Russia's debt to Germany. According to deputy head of the Kremlin Staff Sergei Prikhodko, converting Russia's debt is to be first agreed upon by experts. Speaking at the consultations, vice premier and finance minister Alexei Kudrin remarked that Russia pays out all its debts on time, "thereby laying the basis for future investments in its economy". Members of the Russian-German strategic group on financial and economic questions have already delivered their reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder highly assessed the group's activities. Among other issues, under review was implementation of major Russian-German projects. Under discussion now is a second block of questions related to Russia-Germany cooperation on the international arena. Reporting on the matter will be defence ministers, interior and foreign ministers of the two countries.

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