Busquin and Russian Research Minister hold 'intensive dialogue'
EU Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and Russian Research Minister Alexander Dondukov had a two hour 'intensive dialogue' according to the Russian Minister on 14 September. Issues discussed ranged from the European research area (ERA) and the Sixth Framework programme (FP6) to intellectual property rights, new technology, security cooperation, energy, space, nanotechnology, genomics and researcher mobility Following the meeting, Commissioner Busquin expressed his satisfaction that, whilst the Minister and himself had met in the past, concrete agreements had been made at this meeting. Minister Dondukov said how pleased he was that Russia has been included in discussions concerning the next research Framework programme, and Russian scientists are able to work closely with their colleagues from the EU in European projects. One such agreement was on the creation of a common Internet site, intended to facilitate the exchange of scientific information between Russia and the EU. Mr Busquin also raised the issue of sharing information when asked about security cooperation in the light of the recent terrorist attacks in the USA. 'Security cooperation is very important,' he said. 'It's a question of information'. Energy also featured high on the agenda for this high level meeting. Minister Dondukov emphasised the importance of nuclear energy, and of the environmental issues related to this energy source for Russia. Mr Busquin added that although cooperation in the area of thermonuclear energy was not discussed specifically at this meeting, the intention for such cooperation has already been declared in the past. Both agreed that increasing Russia and the EU's reliance on renewable sources of energy is very important. Discussions also focused on a simplified system for the exchange of researchers. Minister Dondukov is hoping that scientific cooperation will become stronger following a visit by Commissioner Busquin to Moscow in the first trimester of next year.