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Viktor Zubkov Completes Trip to France
Russian Prime Minster Viktor Zubkov completed his visit to France on Friday. After meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Francois Fillon, he brought back two agreements with him to Moscow. One of those concerns a large credit for Vneshekonombank, and the other postal money transfers. The French prefer to wait until after the elections to develop cooperation in energy, aircraft construction and transportation until after the presidential elections in Russia. The last large Russian-French energy project that was agreed on was French Total's involvement at the Shtokman deposit, when Sarkozy visited Moscow.
Now the limit on postal money transfers to France has risen to $1500, and the delivery time is two days. The French bank BNP Paribas has extended a $300-million credit line to Vneshekonombank. No projects were specified for the use of that credit.
Zubkov emphasized in his meetings that “relations between France and Russia will receive an extra impulse in the second half of 2008, when France will chair the EU.” He suggested to Fillon that the establishment of visa-free travel between Russia and the European Union be discussed at that time. Fillon suggested that a contract on Russia involvement in the creation of the Airbus A-380 and A-350 cargo planes be prepared.
Just before Zubkov's visit to Paris, Russian Minister of Industry and Energy Viktor Khristenko held talks in Rome with French companies interested in acquiring energy assets in Russia. Gaz de France and Electricite de France both expressed interest in Russian assets and atomic generator AREVA and Total lay also throw their hats into the ring.
www.kommersant,com
All the Article in Russian as of Nov. 19, 2007
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