AMSTERDAM, 03/11/05 - The Netherlands and Russia yesterday signed four collaboration agreements. They also intend to link the Dutch gas distribution network to the pipeline that the Russians plan to build under the sea to Germany.

Foreign Minister Bot and his Russian counterpart Lavrov signed a joint action programme for 2006-2007. This replaces an agreement for 2004-2005. A number of new subjects have been added. These include cooperation in the area of technological and natural disasters, infectious disease such as HIV/AIDs and exchange of information regarding international terrorism. The accord furthermore eyes collaboration in the areas of political dialogue, economy, transport, the environment, taxes and customs, the judiciary and the police, defence, social affairs, education and culture.

Bot and Lavrov reached a separate accord on collaboration in the field of education. The two other accords signed yesterday were one between Sberbank of Russia and Atradius Dutch State Business on export credit insurance, and one between research institutes TNO and the Russian Academy of Sciences on cooperation in various fields including nanotechnology, aerospace and agriculture and biomedical sciences.

At a press conference on the last day of Putin's two-day state visit, he and Prime Minister Balkenende both indicated they were positive on the possibilities of linking the Netherlands to the West European pipeline system that Russia and Germany have agreed to construct between their countries. Via the Netherlands the gas could be distributed to other countries, including the UK. Further talks will take place on this in the coming period.

Queen Beatrix had praised Putin on Tuesday evening for his way of operating in the economic area and in the international struggle against terrorism. "The great Russia has again taken its place on the world stage". At the same time she noted that there is room for "further strengthening of the democratic institutions" in Russia. "An independent press can fulfil the important task of monitoring the democratic process critically."