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Russian foreign minister to visit Cyprus on June 8-9

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MOSCOW, June 6 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will sign a number of agreements on easing visa regulations during his visit to Cyprus on June 8-9, Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko told RIA Novosti.

Lavrov is to meet with Cypriote President Tassos Papadopoulos, Foreign Minister Georgios Iacovou and parliamentary speaker Christofias, Yakovenko said.

"The visit will continue the Russian-Cypriote dialogue on a wide range of bilateral and international issues, including the Cypriote settlement. The sides will also discuss the situation in the Middle East and Iraq and stability consolidation in the Mediterranean region," the spokesman said.

Russia and Cyprus share common positions on these issues, he added.

Russia and Cyprus cooperate within international organizations, particularly, the UN, OSCE and the Council of Europe.

"Both sides come out for the consolidation of the UN central role in international relations as the main universal peace and security institute," the diplomat said.

"Russia's support for Cyprus' efforts aimed at achieving just, solid and viable settlement on the islands contributes to mutually beneficial cooperation and friendship traditions," Yakovenko said.

Russian and Cypriote law enforcement bodies are developing cooperation, as well.

In spite of the cancellation of visa-free regulations since January 1, 2004, Cyprus keeps attracting Russian tourists, the spokesman said. About 90,000 Russian tourists visited Cyprus in 2004.

According to Yakovenko, Cyprus is Russia's stable economic partner. In 2004, trade turnover totaled some $97 million (as compared to $86 million in 2003). About 200 Russian ships sail under the Cypriote flag and 12,000 Russian sailors work at Cypriote vessels.

Russian companies are successfully working on the Cypriote market, Yakovenko said. "Lukoil won a tender for purchasing several dozens of petroleum stations in Cyprus in 2002 and is the leading foreign oil-selling company."

Cyprus is one of the key channels of attracting foreign investments into Russian economy, the spokesman added. It is Russia's third-fourth partner in accumulated volume of investments into the Russian economy.

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