Putin heads for Western Europe

The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, is today beginning a two-day official visit to Spain.

Correspondents say Mr Putin's meeting with Spanish leaders are likely to focus on economic issues, including cooperation in building a high-speed rail link between Moscow and St Petersburg.

After his visit to Spain, Mr Putin will fly to Berlin for talks with the German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder where he will be joined by a larger ministerial delegation.

The Russian President will wind up his tour in the former Soviet republic of Moldova.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service