Russia, Chile boost co-op

Russia: Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet focused their Kremlin talks on Saturday on boosting economic cooperation.

Both leaders paid special attention to eventual contracts for Russian energy supply to Chile, the Russian presidential media reported. Sources from the Chilean delegation had admitted Bachelet was interested in boosting Russian investments in Chile and securing a steady oil supply. Chile is also interested in Russian nuclear expertise, Production and Trade Confederation chairman Rafael Guilisasti said. Medvedev and Bachelet also discussed high-tech cooperation, namely the sale of Russian machinery for Chilean oil, mining and iron-and-steel industries.

Several agreements were signed by the presidents, including on military cooperation and cultural links, and they stated their intention to work towards a visa-free travel regime for tourists. Bachelet met early Saturday with Chilean nationals living in Moscow and paid tribute to World War II victims. Her three-day official visit to Russia will end on Saturday evening.

Moscow, Prensa Latina