MOSCOW. July 15 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov left for St. Petersburg on Monday where he is scheduled to hold an informal meeting with British Defense Secretary Geoffrey Hoon on July 16.
They are expected to discuss bilateral contacts in the military sphere, the fight against international terrorism, as well as regional security issues.
Ivanov and Hoon are also expected to exchange opinions on the course of the anti-terrorism campaign in Afghanistan, as well as the situation in the Balkans.
During the visit to St. Petersburg that will last until Wednesday, Hoon and his wife will be offered an extensive cultural program, including trips to historical places of the city.
Following the meeting with Hoon, Ivanov will leave St. Petersburg on Tuesday and make visits to Norway and Finland.