03/06/2008 (Agence Europe) - Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European External Relations Commissioner, is to be in Moscow on 3 and 4 June for talks with the Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, and the deputy prime minister, Igor Sechin. Discussions are to focus on preparations for the EU-Russia summit on 26-27 June in Siberia and will officially launch negotiations with a view to a new enhanced partnership agreement. The question of European neighbourhood policy will also be discussed as well as recent Polish-Swedish proposals for strengthening the eastern dimension of this policy (Eastern Partnership) in which Russia is also invited to play a role. International issues (Georgia, Middle East, Afghanistan, etc) as well as the “challenges of globalisation” such as the global financial situation, international stability and climate change, will also be covered. Ms Ferrero-Waldner will address members of the Duma and representatives of European business circles. (H.B.)