G8 finance minister have convened in Moscow to discuss pressing issues of the global agenda, with focus on energy security, fighting infectious diseases and terror.
      
      The ministers met at the National Hotel, opposite the Kremlin and held intense talks behind closed doors. They made a short break for the joint photograph and reconvened for the second half.
      
      Later on, they were welcomed by the Russian president at the Kremlin.
      
      Late in the afternoon, Russian Finance Minister Kudrin came to make an official statement and reply to the journalists’ questions.
      He recapped the agenda, which is also slated for the July G8 summit in St. Petersburg.
      • Energy security
      • Aid to developing countries battling the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu
      • More action to advance World Trade Organization talks aimed at opening up international trade
      • Steping up the fight against networks which finance terrorism
      • Introduction of free education in poor countries of the world
      • Better governance of public funds.
      
      He explained once again the real cause for the gas shortages in Europe blaming Ukraine for disruptions. Mr Kudrin stressed he reveals the details upon the advice of his colleagues who were unaware of the fact.
      
      Russia also voiced its intention to open up its gas and oil sector for private, including foreign, companies.
      
      Furthermore, Moscow welcomes participation of other developing countries, like Brazil, India, and China, whose representative came to Moscow attended talks beyond the G8 finance ministers’ summit.
      
      It is important for the wealthiest states to better understand the needs of the developing world so that the Group of Eight does not turn into an “assembly of fat cats” as Russian president once said.
      
      The full communiqués is available at:
      http://www.russia-ic.com/view/business_law/in_depth/g8/?s=4a3dc29dc0923b40d4ae0a843c9baef2