Russia, Spain leaders to discuss credit crunch, bilateral ties

Medvedev, in Spain on a two-day visit, will also discuss with the premier Middle East conflicts and Russia's relations with the European Union and NATO, the Kremlin said earlier. A new European security pact proposed by the Russian leader last year could also be on the agenda. Medvedev and Zapatero plan to sign a series of documents, including an agreement allowing Spain to transit military personnel and supplies via Russia to troops deployed in Afghanistan. Bilateral trade grew almost fivefold over the past five years, hitting $9.3 billion in 2008. Russian exports increased 17% amounting to over $5 billion and imports grew 32.5% to $4.2 billion, Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.