Putin expected in Paris to discuss arms and business

Jun 10, 2010, 15:04 GMT

Paris - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin was scheduled to arrive in Paris later Thursday for a brief visit devoted primarily to matters of business and arms.

The official reason for the visit is the inauguration Friday of the Russian National Exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris, a part of the Year of Russia in France.

However, when Putin sits down for dinner later Thursday with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon and lunches Friday with President Nicolas Sarkozy, the conversation will focus on the sale of four Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia and closer bilateral cooperation in several economic sectors, particularly energy.

The sale of the four Mistral warships faces several stumbling blocks, including Sarkozy's declaration that the deal does not include military equipment.

But Putin has since let it be known that he will not agree to a deal that does not include a transfer of technology.

In addition, Sarkozy would like two of the ships to be built in France, while the Russians want to purchase one Mistral and construct the other three in Russia.

The deal has provoked anxiety amidst Russia's neighbours, particularly Georgia and the Baltic countries. Significantly, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili came to Paris earlier this week for talks with Sarkozy.

On that occasion the French president said, 'If we expect Russia to act like a partner in all areas, including security and defence, then we must treat Russia like a partner in all areas.'