EUROPE

Russia, EU poised to strike 21-century partnership deal – Russian official

March 28, 2013   ·   0 Comments

The flag of EU. Photo: EPA

Russia and the EU are poised to map out a new partnership agreement, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov has told the Voice of Russia.

According to Mr. Meshkov, both parties are interested in signing a new accord by the 20th anniversary of the existing partnership deal in 2014.

He pointed out however that the new format was likely to focus on Russia’s WTO membership since economic relations and trade had been largely put on the front burner of EU-Russian relations.

“We aren’t ready to undertake any new commitments in this sphere. We’d like to see first what the already imposed ones will incur,” the pundit said, stressing that this standpoint was “met with understanding from our EU partners.”

Mr. Meshkov also said that talks on Russia’s WTO entry had paved the way for the new agreement. “De facto, these negotiations outlined corresponding provisions of the document,” he noted.

He added that the breakthrough deal was very likely to be signed next year, saying it would be drawn up with all contemporary developments in mind.

Voice of Russia

VOR

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