Russian research boss plans to strengthen links with the EU
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Ilya Klebanov, who is also in charge of science, industry, nuclear energy and the space programme wants to strengthen scientific and technological cooperation with the European Union. At a meeting with the European Commissioner for Research Mr Philippe Busquin in Moscow on 8 September Mr Klebanov stressed that research is one of the priorities of Russian Prime Minister Putin's programme. Commissioner Busquin replied that he believes it is now necessary to look to concrete steps to foster cooperation, especially in the field of a European Research Area. The Commissioner also discussed ongoing projects in framework of the dialogue between the European Union and the Russian Federation with Mr Yuri Koptev, Director General of the Russian Space Agency, for which both expressed support. This dialogue follows the Russian Prime Minister and President of the European Commission's decision to promote collaboration in the field of research during the European Union and Russian Federation summit in the summer of 1997. It is also based on a partnership and cooperation agreement between the EU and the Russian Federation. Particular emphasis has been placed on space research and Mr Busquin and Mr Koptev exchanged views on a European strategy for space, which the European Commission is currently discussing with the European Space Agency and should be adopted in the near future.