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US State Dept official Philip Gordon heading for Moscow

The sides will review preparations for a NATO summit

WASHINGTON, February 15 (Itar-Tass) — Philip Gordon, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, whose sphere of competence also covers relations with Russia, is heading for Moscow to discuss global issues and bilateral agenda, the press service of the US Department of State has announced.

The press service pointed out that within the framework of the present tour, which will continue from Tuesday to Saturday, inclusive, Mr. Gordon will visit Brussels first. While in the capital of Belgium, the American diplomat will meet with NATO and European Union officials to consider a wide range of matters that are on the Trans-Atlantic agenda. The sides will also review preparations for a NATO summit , due to be held in Chicago from May 20 and 21, the State Department pointed out, adding that while in Moscow Mr. Gordon is scheduled to hold consultations with Russia's high officials and meet with the leaders of the business community and civil society.

When requested by an Itar-Tass correspondent to elaborate on the purposes and tasks of Mr. Gordon's visit to Moscow, a press service official replied in the negative, saying that Mr. Gordon will tell that himself, for when in the Russian capital he also intends to meet the press.

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