A source of the agency described the Russian president's immediate plans in the field of foreign policy.
Thus, according to the source, Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi will arrive in Russia for an official visit early in November. Some time between November 20 and 30, Putin will visit Chile to attend an APEC summit, and also Brazil and Portugal. Before the end of the current year the Russian president is also scheduled to visit India.
In January 2005, Putin will go to Poland.
In replying to the question of a possible visit by the Russian president to Japan, the source noted that "the question of a visit early next year by Vladimir Putin to Japan remains open".
Besides, the matter is currently being discussed of holding early in 2005 a summit of Caspian states in Iran, the source said.
"Iran has offered to host the summit, but in order that the meeting takes place it is necessary to have the consent of all states," the source said.
"As regards Russia, we have expressed readiness to take part in the summit," he reported. At the same time the source indicated that "so far not all states have confirmed their participation".
