MAFRA, (Portugal), October 26 (RIA Novosti) - President Vladimir Putin and top European Union officials began a summit near Lisbon on Friday, aimed at addressing key energy and trade disputes, along with international issues.
The 27-nation bloc is represented at the 20th EU-Russia summit by Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana. Host country Portugal currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.
As well as restrictions on investment in European energy companies, Russia's fees on EU flights over Siberia, and Polish meat exports, the sides are expected to discuss the future status of Kosovo, the Iranian nuclear program, and possibly U.S. missile defense plans.
The meeting is likely to yield agreements on cooperation in anti-drugs measures, Russian steel exports, and on an early warning system to allay European fears over possible gas supply interruptions from Russia.
Moscow has so far been unable to sign new partnership and cooperation pact with the EU over Warsaw's veto on talks, imposed due to Russia's embargo on Polish meat. In advance of the summit, Russian officials said they were optimistic that the sides could resolve the issue.
Earlier on Friday President Putin, along with Russia's economics and energy ministers, met with the Portuguese premier and foreign minister, and business representatives from Russia and the EU.
The two-hour talks are taking place at Mafra Palace near Lisbon. The palace previously served as a monastery, but was enlarged in the 18th century to become one of Portugal's most important baroque buildings, with over 1200 rooms. It is also known for its bell collection and large library.
