Presidents of Russia, France to discuss missile defense, nuclear energy - Prikhodko
MOSCOW. May 25 (Interfax) - The bilateral meeting between Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy held in Deauville, France on Thursday morning will address issues relating to the missile defense system in Europe, Russian-French interaction on visa issues, the situation in Libya and Syria, the Middle East, and energy.
The meeting with Sarkozy will be the first item on Medvedev's program at the G-8 summit.
"Dmitry Medvedev and Nicolas Sarkozy will discuss the most acute international issues, first of all, the situation in the Arab countries and European security, including the prospects of Russia's cooperation with NATO on the creation of the missile defense system in Europe," presidential aide Sergei Prikhodko told reporters.
Prikhodko said the parties intend to have a detailed discussion of the further development of Russian-French humanitarian cooperation. Among the priorities Prikhodko named the easing of the visa process for short-term visits and employment and entry procedures for Russian and French citizens going for temporary employment.
The meeting will also address the creation of a legal foundation between Russia and France to provide legal assistance on family issues and children involved in family conflicts.
The emphasis on the further development of economic cooperation between Russia and France will be on the promotion of the largest and most promising bilateral projects in the high-tech industries, Prikhodko said.
Issues relating to energy cooperation are traditionally on the agenda of Russian-French meetings, Prikhodko said.
