02 July 2002 00:00
RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER MIKHAIL KASYANOV TO PAY A VISIT TO FRANCE
2002-07-02-001
Mikhail Kasyanov, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, is beginning a visit to Paris today, in the course of which he will discuss with the French leadership a wide range of questions of bilateral cooperation and will take part in the presentation of Russia's candidacy as the host country for World EXPO 2010.
The presentation will be made on July 2 at the 131st session of the General Assembly of the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE). Kasyanov intends to speak at the session so as to once more declare the adherence of the Russian leadership to the idea of holding EXPO 2010 in Moscow. The Chairman of the Government hopes to convince the BIE leadership, business circles and the world community as a whole that the Russian capital is the most suitable candidate for hosting the fair.
In the course of his visit Kasyanov expects to meet with French leaders - President Jacques Chirac, Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and Senate Head Christian Poncelet. During these meetings it is planned to discuss the state of, and prospects for Russian-French trade-and-economic cooperation, having long-standing traditions.
In Paris Kasyanov will continue the practice of meetings with the representatives of foreign big business. This time the head of the Russian Government will try to persuade French entrepreneurs to invest more vigorously in Russia's economy. He intends to acquaint them with the course of socioeconomic reforms and the prospects of the fast-changing Russian economy.
Mikhail Kasyanov is expected to return to Moscow from Paris on July 3.
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