Lavrov, Ashton to discuss prep` of RF-EU new accord.

MOSCOW, February 24 (Itar-Tass) - Sergei Lavrov, Russian Minister of
Foreign Affairs, and Catherine Ashton, the European Union (EU) High
Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, meet here on
Wednesday to discuss the preparation of a new basic agreement between
Russia and the EU, as well as prospects for the abrogation of visas. This
will be the EU High Representative's first visit to the Russian capital.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Andrei Nesterenko, specified, "The
sides will discuss matters of current importance concerning the
development of Russia-EU cooperation, including the joint initiative aimed
at launching the modernization of partnership, prospects for visa-free
travel of citizens, and review the preparation of a basic agreement
between Russia and the EU".
Nesterenko said, "Attention will be devoted to a format for optimizing
Russia-EU interaction within the context of the Treaty of Lisbon's
entering into force".
Lavrov and Ashton are to exchange views on the European security issue
in the light of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's initiative aimed at
working out a new treaty.
The Middle East peace process, the situation in Afghanistan, Iran's
nuclear programme, and the state of affairs in Eastern Europe and the
Transcaucasus will be also examined during the upcoming meeting.
Catherine Ashton, when speaking at the 45th Munich conference on
security policy matters early in February, said that she expected a
continuation of the dialogue with Sergei Lavrov in Moscow later this month.
Ashton pointed out that the EU's cooperation with the Russian
Federation in the international arena is very important and significant,
and that it is maintained successfully and can be invigorated in many
fields.
Catherine Ashton was appointed to the High Representative's position
on November 19, 2009. Prior to the election, she had been the EU
Commissioner for Trade.
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