The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergei Lavrov, expressed satisfaction at the possibility of holding talks again, so soon after the last December meeting between the two ministers in Brussels. He underlined that  bilateral contacts had already produced positive results. He expressed satisfaction that a meeting at deputy ministers’ level had taken place in the meantime, which provided an opportunity  for a broader exchange of information and positions concerning missile defence. It was agreed that talks on the subject should be continued at various levels. Minister Lavrov noted that the meeting offered a good opportunity  for outlining the agenda of the forthcoming visit to Moscow by Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

        The two ministers expressed satisfaction at the favourable development of bilateral economic relations. However, they concurred that the present level of trade did not reflect the potential of the two countries. Cooperation would be enhanced by the Programme of Economic Cooperation and the introduction of a system of incentives to promote economic cooperation at the regional level. It was underlined that the signing of an agreement on the mutual protection of investments would be a significant incentive.

        Minister Sikorski declared an intent to introduce facilities in the movement of persons between the two countries, including faster processing of visas, lower visa fees and the conclusion of a local border traffic agreement covering the District of Kaliningrad. At the same time, Minister Sikorski appealed for facilities in the issuance of long-term visas. With regard to the cross-border movement of persons and contacts between citizens of the two countries, it was agreed that consideration should be given to the establishment of new air connections, in addition to the Warsaw-Moscow link.

        The two parties  decided that it would be desirable to accelerate talks  on bilateral agreements, including agreements on mutual recognition of diplomas, on protection of classified information, on navigation in the Pilava Strait  and on copyright protection. The parties  welcomed the favorable development of cultural exchange and contacts within such institutions as the Civic Forum, which enhanced relations. A number of international issues were discussed, including the situation in Georgia, Kosovo and Moldova.

        Minister R. Sikorski emphasized that the recent lifting of   the Russian trade embargo had created good prospects for  quick resumption   of intra-Union talks on a new EU-Russian  agreement. The ministers also discussed other bilateral issues, including the question of the oil pipeline to the  Mozejki refinery and the possibilities of  utilizing the broad-gauge rail line between the two countries.

        In conclusion, Minister Radosław Sikorski invited Minister Sergei Lavrov to pay a visit to Warsaw in the near future. Minister Lavrov accepted the invitation.

        During his visit to Moscow, Minister Radosław Sikorski also met with Adviser to the President of the RF, Sergei Yastrembski. Minister Sikorski also had a separate meeting with representatives of  independent political communities, including former Premier Mikhail Kasyanov.

        Minister Sikorski also laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier  and the Solovetskiy Stone commemorating victims of political repressions.

Piotr Paszkowski
MFA Press Spokesman