Russia, Eritrea to promote economic relations

MOSCOW, Apr 14, 2005 (RIA Novosti) — Russia is interested in stepping up economic cooperation with Eritrea, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated today opening talks with his Eritrean counterpart Ali Sayyid Abdallah.

“We would like our economic cooperation reach the same level as that of our political dialogue,” Lavrov said.

He mentioned prospecting for mineral resources, fishing and construction as most promising areas of cooperation.

“We are sincerely interested in the settlement of all conflicts in the African continent, including the conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia”, Lavrov said, adding that just like Eritrea, Russia is also keen on the settlement of the conflict in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Moscow is satisfied with the development of bilateral political relations with Eritrea, “We are satisfied with the way our political dialogue is developing”, Lavrov said.

He pointed out that during today’s talks he intended to discuss with the Eritrean foreign minister bilateral as well as international issues, including UN work.

“We have similar positions in the UN and would like it to play greater part in solving international problems,” Lavrov said.