Russian, French formins to discuss Libya, relations with NATO

MOSCOW, July 1 (Itar-Tass) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
and his French counterpart Alain Juppe will meet on Friday to discuss
Russian relations with the European Union and NATO and the situation in
Northern Africa.
The Russian foreign ministry said the main topics will include
bilateral cooperation, Russia-NATO dialogue including the planned missile
shield in Europe, the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa,
and several regional conflicts.
Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said the dialogue between
Moscow and Paris has reached the level of strategic partnership.
"Business cooperation gains momentum after numerous difficulties
encountered at the peak of the global economic and financial crisis. The
number and scope of joint projects is rapidly increasing, trade turnover
and French investments in Russia are growing," he said.
The dialogue between the two countries is based "on strict adherence
to multilateral principles of modern world order, the key role of the
United Nations and the primacy of international law," he added.