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8 February 2006
MADRID — Russian president Vladimir Putin arrived in Spain on Wednesday for a two-day visit during which the fight against international terrorism and trade talks will be high on the agenda.
He was greeted at the airport by foreign minister Miguel Angel Moratinos and immediately set out with wife Lyudmila to meet with King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia at the Palacio del Pardo, a royal guest house outside Madrid.
High on the agenda with Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, who Putin will meet on Thursday, will be security issues.
Russian cooperation with European and international bodies such as the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and NATO will also figure prominently in the discussions..
Both leaders are also expected to discuss current international issues, including Iran and the Middle East.
The Russian and Spanish leaders were also expected to discuss energy cooperation.
Russia is a key energy supplier to the EU.
A recent Russia-Ukraine dispute over gas prices, which prompted Russia to cut supplies to Ukraine last month, affecting supplies to parts of Europe, cast doubts on Russia’s reliability as an energy provider.
Talks are also expected to focus on increasing economic cooperation, boosting investment and trade between the two countries.
[Copyright EFE with Expatica]
Subject: Spanish news