Russia, Laos discussing launching direct flights - Economic Development Minister

MOSCOW. June 15 (Interfax) - Russia and Laos are discussing the need to launch direct flights, and intend to expand trade cooperation, Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said following Russia-Laos talks chaired by the two countries' prime ministers on Monday in Moscow.

"Trade nearly doubled last year, though it was just under $50 million, short of our potential," Reshetnikov said.

"Russia is ready to boost exports of food, mineral fertilizer, and machine engineering products to Laos. We are ready to purchase more Lao textiles, natural rubber, and coffee," Reshetnikov said.

Reshetnikov said that mineral resources were a separate topic of discussion.

"Laos has significant bauxite reserves that are important to develop the Russian aluminum industry. The development of energy, education, humanitarian ties, and tourism were also discussed," he added.

"We of course discussed direct flights to bolster our relations," Reshetnikov emphasized.