Russian President Vladimir Putin and the European Union’s leadership will hold talks on Monday at the 29th EU-Russia summit in St. Petersburg, the Kremlin reported.
The top officials are expected to discuss, among other issues, the financial crisis in Europe, integration in former Soviet republics and the situations in Syria and Iran.
The EU delegation comprises European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and other officials.
The summit started on Sunday with an informal dinner attended by Putin, Van Rompuy and Barroso. The official part will start on Monday.
Russia-EU summits are held twice a year in Russia and the EU in turn to sum up bilateral cooperation and exchange opinions on urgent issues on the agenda.