The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Mafra

The European Union and Russia moved closer on thorny issues of trade and political relations at a summit here on Friday that steered clear of confrontation on major policy disputes.

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and EU leaders hailed a "constructive" meeting and voiced the hope that stalled partnership talks between Brussels and Moscow would begin in the coming months. The European Union welcomed Moscow's commitment to invite observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to monitor Russian parliamentary elections on December 2.

Brussels also reiterated its support for Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and signed a deal with Moscow to raise import quotas on certain types of Russian steel.