They often admit that they don't see eye-to-eye, but Russia and the European Union are neighbours who know that being next door to each other can bring massive mutual benefits.

Russia is the EU's third biggest trading partner and half of all Russian exports go to the EU.

The two-day summit opening on Thursday will launch negotiations on a new partnership and co-operation agreement.

"It's most important that we start now, and have a speedy process. But it's of course a complex negotiation," admitted the EU's Commissioner for External Relations, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, on a visit to Moscow earlier this month. ... Read full article