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10/5/05

Pravda: Russia to become strategic economic partner of the European Union

PRAVDA.Ru

Russia to become strategic economic partner of the European Union

The leaders of Russia and the European Union sat down in London today to discuss most important political and economic issues. President Putin chairs the Russian delegation at the summit. Over 50 percent of the foreign trade turnover of Russia falls on EU countries: this fact has become the peculiar feature of the current summit, for such an accomplishment has been achieved for the first time in history. European leaders do not conceal that their economies depend on Russia's energy sources. It goes without saying, though, that the EU's economic stronghold is not afraid of such ties. Quite on the contrary, EU's old-timers are ready to develop and deepen reciprocal cooperation with Russia. Prior to his arrival in London, President Putin made a stop in Brussels. European reporters mentioned in this respect that the European administration was emphasizing EU's and Russia's common views on many political and economic questions. They believe that such cooperation is based on EU's demand on energy carriers and Russia's adequate supplies. Indeed, Russia extracts and delivers almost 50 percent of gas and almost one-third of natural gas that EU consumes. In addition, experts of the International Energy Agency say that Europe's demand in natural gas may increase by 50 percent during the forthcoming 15 years. EU's members will be able to meet the demand with the help of Russia's gas reserves only. That is why the question of fuel deliveries has become the most important issue on the agenda of the current Russia-EU summit in London.

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