Russian Finance Minister sets off for G8 meeting in France

Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin flew to France on Friday to take part in a meeting of G8 finance ministers in the Normandy town of Doville.

Kudrin's press secretary Gennady Yezhov told journalists that the ministers were going to prepare for the G8 heads of state meeting that will take place on June 1st-3rd in Evian.

The finance ministers will discuss economic problems in Africa's development, how to increase the effectiveness of aid to the poorest countries and how to assist countries burdened with huge debts.

The ministers will also discuss such traditional subjects as the fight against terrorism and money laundering, supporting developing economies and how to avert crises and solve those that have already occurred.

Yezhov pointed out that the G8 meeting was of particular value for Russia, as Alexei Kudrin would be taking part in all the discussions on the day's agenda. Kudrin will also inform his counterparts about the situation in Russia, its economy and how the financial markets are developing.

The Russian minister will hold a series of bilateral working meetings.

Alexei Kudrin is to return to Moscow on Sunday morning.