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Russia pushes for CAsia energy projects

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-07-31 01:28

DUSHANBE, Tajikistan: Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is pushing for energy and transportation projects - in which Russia is likely to lead the way - to boost economic development in Afghanistan and surrounding countries.

Meeting with the presidents of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan, Medevdev called building energy infrastructure a vital prerequisite for prosperity.

"Energy projects are what really helps governments that need to strengthen their economy," he said Thursday. "Assistance must not just be a one-off, it should aimed toward the future."

Russia has already invested heavily in projects in the region. On Friday, Medvedev is to attend the unveiling of the Sangtuda-1 hydropower plant, in which Russia has a 75 percent stake and has invested almost $500 million.