Russian PM to Hold Several Meetings on Sidelines of East Asia Summit

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will hold on Thursday meetings with top politicians from New Zealand, Laos and Philippines on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in the capital of Laos Vientiane.

VIENTIANE (Sputnik) — Medvedev has already had a conversation with US President Barack Obama at the ceremonial reception organized for top politicians taking part in the East Asia Summit on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Medvedev will meet with New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prihodko said that the sides were going to discuss trade and economic ties between two countries.

"We will discuss how to give a fresh impetus – taking into account that New Zealand did not join western economic sanctions against Russia. They have additional chances," Prihodko said.

The Russian prime minister is going to meet with Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte. The parties are going to discuss energy and industrial cooperation, as well as humanitarian ties.

Medvedev will also meet with Lao President Bounnhang Vorachith and Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. The sides are going to hold talks on cooperation in energy and industrial sectors, as well as boosting humanitarian and tourist ties.

The Russian prime minister and the Lao president are going to sign a number of documents, including those on visa liberation and a roadmap on atomic energy.

The mechanism of the East Asian Summit was created in 2005 on the initiative of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Initially, the forum was attended by representatives of 16 countries. The format of the summit was expanded to include the United States and Russia in 2011.