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Jiang-Putin to discuss Agra summit

The Indo-Pak summit and the US missile plan would figure in talks between Chinese President Jiang Zemin and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow beginning Monday.

"President Jiang, during his visit to Russia, will have an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on a number of important regional and international issues of common concern with his Russian counterpart," Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said when asked whether the Indo-Pak summit would figure during their talks.

Beijing and Moscow are keenly watching the outcome of the Agra summit, diplomatic sources said, adding it is "quite natural" for them to review the outcome of Indo-Pak talks, which would have an important bearing on regional as well as global peace and stability.

Moscow would be the first stop in Jiang's 11-day five-nation tour that would take him to Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Malta. He is being accompanied by his wife and other senior ministers and officials.

China and Russia will sign a treaty on bilateral good-neighbourly friendship and cooperation, a senior Chinese foreign ministry official said.

"The major purpose of this visit is the signing of the treaty between Jiang and Putin, which will legalise the concept of peace between the two sides," he said.

"This would show the will and determination of the two peoples to be everlasting good neighbours, partners and friends."

The treaty, a guideline document directing the development of bilateral relations in the new century, will cover principles and directions for their cooperation in politics, economy, trade, science, technology, culture and international arenas, the official said.

"The treaty will not touch upon military cooperation," he added.

PTI

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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