No major problems hamper Russia-Ireland cooperation

Prospects for Russian-Irish relations and the key international issues will dominate an upcoming meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and his Irish counterpart, Brian Cowen, that will take place in Moscow Tuesday.

Ireland is taking on the rotating chairmanship in the European Union in January, 2004, the fact that adds significance to the Irish foreign minister's visit, said Alexander Yakovenko, Russian foreign ministry official spokesman.

He said both countries were seeking to step up joint efforts to implement the decisions adopted by the Russia-EU summit in St Petersburg. The decisions are related to the establishment of a common European security, economic, science, education and culture space.

Mr Cowen's Moscow visit will help preserve the present intensity of the two countries' top-level political dialogue and will foster the development of Russia-Ireland cooperation in all areas, especially considering Ireland's forthcoming EU chairmanship, said Mr Yakovenko.

"Russian-Irish relations are developing gradually. The absence of any major problems whatsoever is characteristic of bilateral contacts," emphasized the Russian diplomat.

Mr Cowen will also take part in the Russian foreign minister's meeting with the foreign ministers of the EU Troika, due on October 28.