Russian Premier arrived in France to participate in activities of bilateral Russia – France cooperation commission of higher governmental level. Within the visit, a number of issues were discussed and documents signed on collaboration in the spheres of energy, advanced technologies and car production. One of the signed documents was related to eventual participation of the French energy company “EdF” in the “South Stream“ project. Another document was dedicated to the timely in Russia problem of restructuring the “AvtoVaz” car production company to be coordinated with the French “Renault” as the shareholder of “AvtoVaz”. One of the topics under discussion was connected with Russia’s wish to purchase French “Mistral”-class amphibious assault ship and a licence for building of few more ships.

Ria Novosti, November26

http://www.rian.ru/politics/20091126/195711849.html

The meeting of the Premier of France as one of the European powers with his Russian counterpart is significant not only in the context of relationship between the two countries, but also in the context of EU – Russia relations. France’s decisions regarding its ties with Russia obviously demonstrate the EU’s joint position towards its Eastern neighbour. Of course, Russia stresses several documents and agreements achieved in the course of the visit, however, it should be underlined that the documents have not inter-state status, but the transactions have been concluded between various French and Russian companies indicating that the contacts were of economic character. Though, simultaneously the issue of political dimension in the bilateral relationship becomes topical. So far France has had a pragmatic attitude towards Russia, rather positive than negative. It can be assumed that France sees Russia as its partner, only the question is whether the partner is “strategic” or just one of the partners. The Russia representatives probably support the image of “strategic partner”, although this partnership is sooner similar to cooperation with the other countries. The strategic aspect of the relations may lie just in Russia’s role as the energy supplier, however, France has also some other sources of energy.

The Baltic countries’ media connect V.Putin’s visit in France mainly to eventual selling of the French “Mistral”-class warship to Russia, which would be the first time when Russia is provided with the NATO advance military technologies. Although such possibility exists, the issue of selling the warship to Russia will be probably discussed also within NATO, for France will hardly act in this direction without coordination with its partners.