Russian, German finance ministers discuss G8 ministerial meeting

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MOSCOW, January 11 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian and German finance ministers met in Moscow Wednesday to discuss arrangements for the meeting of the Group of Eight industrialized nations, due in Russia in February.

"We discussed preparations for the February meeting of G8 finance ministers in Moscow," Alexei Kudrin told reporters after his negotiations with Peer Steinbrueck.

He also said he planned to hold consultations on the meeting agenda with his other G8 colleagues.

"During its presidency in the G8 [in 2006], Russia plans to focus on counteraction to infectious diseases, energy security and energy supplies to G8 nations, and education," Kudrin said.

The minister added that Russia would include into the G8's 2006 agenda further development and higher transparency of energy markets, more investment in the energy sector, and alternative energy sources.

"Russia will increase oil and gas production and exports to international markets and develop alternative energy sources, including nuclear power," Kudrin continued.

The ministers also agreed to continue consultations on the early payment on Russia's debt to the Paris Club, Germany being Russia's major creditor.

"We have agreed that we will continue our consultations on Russia's early payment on its Paris Club debt," Kudrin said.

The German finance minister said in turn that the country's cabinet had not agreed on Russia's payment on its debt ahead of schedule.

Steinbrueck said Germany still had to decide on the volume of a possible tranche.

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