Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on Wednesday for talks.
A memorandum of understanding between the Skolkovo foundation, which supervises the eponymous innovation hub outside of Moscow, and Germany's Siemens AG is expected to be signed during the two-day talks.
Skolkovo is the Kremlin's pet project as it seeks to steer foreign investors away from oil and gas toward new technology. It is being built from scratch 20 km (12.4 miles) outside of Moscow.
The center will focus on research in five priority spheres: energy, information technologies, communication, biomedical research and nuclear technologies.
Medvedev and Merkel are also expected to discuss bilateral trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties, as well as international affairs.
They will sign more than 10 documents, including a memorandum on a managerial personnel training program, a statement of intent on cooperation in physical education and sport, and an agreement on cooperation between the countries' public health ministries.
The two leaders will also meet with Russian and German business representatives at the Russian-German forum called St. Petersburg Dialogue.
The Russian companies Rostekhnologii (Russian Technology) and RusHydro will sign a partnership agreement with Siemens AG on the establishment of a joint venture to manufacture power units.
YEKATERINBURG, July 14 (RIA Novosti)
