Article Posted on : - Dec 06, 2009

The PM will review with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev the status of bilateral cooperation in key areas of defence, civil nuclear energy, space and hydrocarbons at the annual summit beginning Monday.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday left for a three-day visit to Russia during which the two sides are expected to sign a framework agreement on civil nuclear cooperation and three pacts in the field of defence.

In a statement here, Singh said he will review with President Dmitry Medvedev the status of bilateral cooperation, including in the key areas of defence, civil nuclear energy, space and hydrocarbons at the annual summit beginning Monday.

“The Annual Summit is the principal mechanism for the advancement of our strategic partnership with Russia. This is a partnership based on the solid foundation of long-standing friendship, deep mutual trust and strong convergence of interests,” Singh said.

He noted that over the years, Indo-Russian multifaceted cooperation has acquired greater depth and maturity through joint efforts. “We seek to strengthen these ties further.”

“I am confident that my visit will be yet another step forward in consolidating our cooperation with Russia and in reinforcing the fact that India-Russia strategic partnership is a factor of peace and stability in the evolving international situation,” he said.

Singh, who will be undertaking his sixth visit to Russia since 2004, said he will also meet Prime Minister Vladimir Putin under whose presidency the annual dialogue was set up.