Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, in Moscow with a large Canadian trade delegation, says he wants to forge a strong economic partnership with Russia.

Mr. Chretien made his comments ahead of meetings Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The discussions are expected to focus on trade, international security issues, and illegal drug trafficking.

Russia's Itar-Tass news agency quotes a Kremlin official as saying the talks will give special attention to expanding Russian-Canadian cooperation in the telecommunications, aerospace and information fields.

The Canadian leader also is scheduled to hold talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov.

Mr. Chretien, who began his official visit to Russia Wednesday, travels to Germany Sunday.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.

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