Putin to discuss energy, defense, trade in Morocco

Russian President Vladimir Putin will discuss Thursday boosting bilateral cooperation in a wide range of spheres during his one-day visit to Morocco, a Kremlin aide said.

Vladimir Putin, the first Russian leader to make an official visit to Morocco, will meet in Casablanca with Morocco's King Mohammed VI for talks, and will sign documents on bilateral cooperation, Sergei Prikhodko said.

"The leaders of Russia and Morocco will discuss perspectives for the resumption of the political process aimed at a universal and just peace in the region in line with international law," he said.

Prikhodko highlighted Russian-Moroccan cooperation in industry and trade, adding that trade between the two countries almost doubled last year, from 2004 to reach $1.5 billion.

In 2002, the two leaders signed a declaration on strategic partnership during the king's visit to Moscow.

Russia's nuclear power equipment and service export monopoly, Atomstroiexport, said last week it might bid for the contract to build Morocco's first nuclear power plant, with construction to be completed in 2016-2017.

Prikhodko said the leaders might also discuss military-technical cooperation.

"Russia is ready for this cooperation, including supplies of its Kornet and Tunguska air-defense systems," he said.

The aide said that joint projects, including in the energy field, mineral extraction, technology and tourism will also be high in the agenda.