Energy resources 'high on Russian president's African agenda'

23 June 2009

Nuclear power and energy resources are thought to be high on president Dmitry Medvedev's agenda this week as he leads a delegation to Africa.

It is his first official visit to the continent - as well as the first by a Russian head of state for over three years - and he will spend time in four countries.

The president arrives in Egypt today (June 23rd) where there has already been a nuclear co-operation agreement signed.

He will then travel to Nigeria, where the Russian company Gazprom will make efforts to try and secure contracts for the implementation of new gas pipelines.

Developing a civilian nuclear infrastructure in the country is an area Russia has said it is willing to help Nigeria in.

However, some commentators have suggested the location's large oil and gas reserves mean such a move is unnecessary.

Egypt and Russia signed a deal regarding nuclear power in March this year.

Category: Energy