Issue Post - Russian Leader Seeks Energy, Diamond Deals With Angola

Russian Leader Seeks Energy, Diamond Deals With Angola

Friday, June 26 2009

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev visited the capital of Angola Friday for talks on the African country's rich oil, gas and diamond resources.

Mr. Medvedev capped a four-nation tour of Africa with a trip to Luanda for a meeting with President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

President Medvedev began the visit with a wreath laying at the grave of Angola's first president, Agostinho Neto.

The Russian leader is seeking closer economic ties with the former Soviet Union ally, and access to Angola's natural resources.

Russia is competing with Western nations and China for the southern African nation's oil and gas reserves.

Mr. Medvedev visited Egypt Tuesday and Wednesday was in Nigeria, where Russia agreed to build a nuclear power plant.

On Thursday, the Russian leader met with Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba to discuss boosting cooperation on trade and energy deals.

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