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Lavrov, Ashton to discuss situation in Ukraine in Brussels December 16

MOSCOW, December 13. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov within the framework of the Russia-EU political dialogue will hold in Brussels on December 16 a meeting in a working breakfast format with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, Russia's Foreign Ministry told reporters on Friday.

“In the context of preparations for the forthcoming Russia-EU summit it is planned to discuss prospects for the bilateral relations development within the framework of the ‘road maps’ of the Russia-EU common spaces (the Common Economic Space, covering economic issues and the environment; the Common Space of Freedom, Security and Justice; the Common Space of External Security, including crisis management and non-proliferation; the Common Space of Research and Education, including cultural aspects),” the ministry said. “Special attention will be paid to the promotion of a visa-free regime for the travel of Russian and EU citizens, energy cooperation, as well as the results of the Vilnius Eastern Partnership summit (November 28-29).”

“In addition, the sides plan to exchange views on a number of important international issues, including the Iranian nuclear program and the situation in Syria,” the RF Foreign Ministry said. “The sides will also discuss the situation in Ukraine.

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