Putin to visit Algeria, jet sale on agenda

ALGIERS, Mar 6 (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin flies to Algeria on Thursday, his first visit to the former Soviet ally, and is expected to conclude the sale of Russian MIG-29 combat jets for up to 1.5 billion dollars.

Official media said on Monday the visit would boost economic and military ties.

Putin will discuss the possibility of Moscow converting Algeria's debt into investments and of concluding a sale of weapons to the North African country during his two-day visit, media reported.

The two countries have been discussing a possible purchase by Algeria of the jets, according to media reports.

Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, visiting Algiers this week, said the two countries were determined to strengthen ties, but stressed that some issues required more talks.

''We discussed economic cooperation, particularly the debt issue and the improvement of investment conditions,'' he said after talks with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

''I'm convinced that in the very near future we will be able to strengthen our relations and put in place a very close cooperation,'' he added.

REUTERS CH KP2201