RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR: RUSSIAN AND FRENCH STAND WITH REGARD TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES CLOSE OR IN LINE

PARIS, July 15 (RIA Novosti) - Russian-French relations can be described as relations of partnership featuring affinity of positions with regard to the major contemporary issues, said Russia's ambassador to France Alexander Avdeev at a meeting with Russian reporters on Thursday. The meeting was held in view of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov's short working visit to France scheduled for Friday.

According to Mr. Avdeev, Russia and France similarly view the world order, based on the principles of multipolarity and multilateral cooperation.

"The countries have the same opinion as to driving force of the Iraqi settlement", added the ambassador.

"Russia and France share the common understanding that the world's stability can be achieved only through compliance with the international law and strengthening of the UN system and the role of it Security Council", the Russian diplomat pointed out.

According to him, France is one of the countries that determine the Russian-EU relations.

"As to the main topics of the Russian-EU cooperation, the French position is the closest to the Russian stand", he added.

The trade and economic cooperation between the countries undergoes positive development. "French companies' portfolio investments to the Russian economy in 2003 are the largest over the recent years", said Mr. Avdeev.

Among interesting economic projects, putting Russia and France together, the Russian ambassador mentioned construction of the engine for the Russian Regional Aircraft (RRJ) in cooperation with France's Snecma Motors, placement of Airbus' orders at Russian aircraft-building companies, construction of Soyuz-2 booster launching pad at France's Kuru space port in South America and establishment of Renault factory in Russia.