Discussions during this ninth round of Russian-German Intergovernmental Consultations concentrated above all on bilateral economic relations, especially diversifying economic ties, stimulating investment, carrying out national projects and developing production and scientific-technical cooperation in the high-technology sectors.
The intergovernmental consultations saw the signature of five bilateral agreements: an agreement between the Russian Education and Science Ministry and the German Education and Scientific Research Ministry on cooperation in the development and use of accelerator-based photon radiation sources; a declaration of intent between the Federal Atomic Energy Agency and the German Education and Scientific Research Ministry on cooperation in building and operating an international accelerator centre to study heavy ions and anti-protons (FAIR Project); a memorandum on the conclusion of a deal between RAO Unified Energy Systems of Russia, OGK-4 and E.ON Russia and Power; a protocol to the agreement between Russia and Germany of May 29, 1996, and the protocol to the agreement of May 26, 1996, on avoiding double taxation on income and property; and an agreement establishing twin city ties between the cities of Perm (Russia) and Duisburg (Germany).
Speaking at a press conference following the consultations, Mr Putin invited German investors to take part in carrying out Russia’s priority national projects in healthcare, education, agriculture and affordable housing construction, and also in the infrastructure programmes connected to preparations for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.