LONDON, August 2 (Itar-Tass) — Russian President Vladimir Putin will leave for London on a working visit on Thursday to meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron for talks on the situation in Syria.
Putin will also attend the judo tournament.
During the talks, the Russian president intends to confirm Russia’s position on the Syrian problem once again, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov told Itar-Tass.
“The meeting, of course, will focus on the Syrian problem,” Peskov said. “We wait for one more possibility to continue the dialogue and explain to Britain our consistent and clear position on this issue,” he stressed.
Peskov recalled that this issue had been raised during the meeting between Putin and Cameron on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Mexico in June.
The spokesman referred to the British prime minister’s statement saying Russia would b ready to grant asylum to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. “We considered it problems with the interpretation,” the spokesman said.
According to Peskov, in London “Vladimir Putin and David Cameron will also exchange views on bilateral relations. First of all the officials will discuss prospects for the development of trade, economic and investment cooperation”. The spokesman recalled that in 2011 trade turnover between the two countries had reached 21.2 billion U.S. dollars. “This is the rather considerable figure, but it does not correspond to the potential of both countries. The meeting will also touch on what the parties can do in order to use this potential more effectively,” Peskov said.
Putin and Cameron will also discuss energy cooperation. “Russia believes that the existing issues will not hamper the expansion of cooperation in different fields,” the spokesman said.
After the talks Putin is planning to attend the judo Olympic tournament.
Putin initiated visits to the Olympic Games. Soviet leaders did not attend the Olympic Games. Four years ago Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing. In London Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev led the Russian delegation.
When Putin visits the judo tournament world champion Tagir Khaibulayev, 28, and World Cup silver medallist Vera Moskalyuk will take on. Both competitors will start taking on in the morning. When Putin comes to the hall it will be known if they are among those who will struggle for medals.
Till now it is not known if Cameron accompanies the Russian leader. It is notable that British judo-player, Europe Cup two-time silver medallist James Austin will be one of the probable opponents of Khaibulayev.