Russia drafts documents on all key issues of the G8 summit

MOSCOW, February 6. Russia has drafted documents on the key issues to be discussed at the G8 summit, Igor Shuvalov, presidential aide and chairman of the commission on Russia’s place in the G8, told journalists in Moscow Monday.

“We have entered a stage of active preparation of documents, which are being discussed by our partners,” he said. “We have the drafts for the three key issues – energy security, infectious diseases, and assistance to vocational training.”

Shuvalov said a number of other issues were to be discussed at the G8 summit.

“Another seven issues are on the additional agenda. They comprise standard questions of WMD non-proliferation, counterterrorism, and others,” he said.

Shuvalov said the Russian ministries and departments were working energetically in all spheres. “We will hold from 50 to 60 functions this year,” he said.

Russia will have a great deal to do. The first meeting of Sherpas, personal representatives of leaders at the G8 summit, has been held and they will meet again in mid-February to discuss the draft documents, Shuvalov said.

“The G8 Finance Ministers will convene in Moscow on February 10 and 11. They are discussing economic development and the creation of financial architecture,” the commission chair said. The ministers will also meet with the President of Russia.