BEIJING, September 3. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in Beijing to take part in the celebrations in commemoration of China’s WWII victory over Japan 70 years ago, will meet on the sidelines of the festivities with the presidents of Venezuela, Laos and Czech Republic, Nicolas Maduro, Choummaly Sayasone and Milos Zeman.
At talks with the Venezuelan leader, the Russian president will discuss practical moves towards the development of the entire set of trade and economic ties. "Special attention will be paid to possible joint moves towards stabilization of oil prices on the world market, first of all within the context of Russia’s cooperation with OPEC," Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov said.
He called Venezuela Russia’s strategic partner in Latin America. Ushakov also said the Venezuelan leadership was consistently criticizing sanctions imposed against Russia by the European Union and the US. Russia and Venezuela "constructively cooperate on most topical issues of the international agenda," he said.
At talks with the president of Laos, Putin will focus on key aspects of traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and development of strategic partnership in the Asia-Pacific region. Ushakov noted that in 2016 Laos will assume the rotating chairmanship of ASEAN, and within this time Russia plans to mark with a summit 20 years of its business partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. "Within this context, this meeting with the president of Laos will be of major importance," Ushakov said.
Russia and Laos were implementing several very promising joint investment projects, he said.
The meeting with Czech President Milos Zeman will focus on cooperation between Moscow and Prague in spheres of trade and economy, investment, energy and culture. A dialogue of Russia and the EU would also be discussed, Ushakov said. He said relations with the Czech Republic had always had partnership nature, and "until the recent time have been marked by a good trend of development".
Kremlin marks the strengthening of contacts between Russian and Czech regions, as well as good prospects in the development of cultural and educational cooperation. The republic is demonstrating a growing interest in studying the Russian language, which is taught at 220 schools and at 43 universities.
Ushakov said the program of Putin’s visit to Beijing was very busy. Heads of state and government of more than 20 states are expected to attend the V-Day parade.
Commenting on media reports about Putin’s possible conversation with the prime minister of Japan, Ushakov said the prime minister was not planning a trip to Beijing.