THISDAYonline

Visiting President Olusegun Obasanjo and his host, President Vladmir Putin of Russia are scheduled to tackle key bilateral issues today in Moscow, the Russian capital, as Obasanjo rounds up his three-day visit.

Obasanjo, who arrived Moscow yesterday along with his high-powered delegation, is expected to work out with his hosts the details of the technical co-operation in iron and steel especially Ajaokuta Steel project as well as on Avionics.

There were unconfirmed reports that the Russian Defence Minister had been lobbying the Nigerian Government to purchase some Russian military and transport helicopters.

Although other details of the Obasanjo/Putin agenda were still hazy, their Kremlin summit would be followed by a meeting with the Russian business community.

Obasanjo and his delegation will also visit the Moscow metallurgical plant, the centre of aviation equipment before meeting with a cross-section of African diplomats in Moscow.

Tomorrow, Obasanjo is scheduled to depart Moscow for Warsaw on a two-day official visit to Poland.

During the visit, Obasanjo will hold talks with the Polish Prime Minister, Mr. Jerzy Busek and attend a Polish Nigerian Business conference at the headquarters of the Polish chamber of commerce on Thursday.

Obasanjo will hold talks with the Speaker of the Lower House of the Polish parliament, meet with the members of the Nigerian community in Poland as well as with the Nigeria-Polish Friendship Association.

He is also expected to watch the Air Show on Sunday before departing for home same day.

Members of Obasanjo's entourage include Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima of Zamfara and Chinwoke Mbadiniju of Anambra state, Senator Afolabi Olabimtan and Hon. Tony Aziegbumi of the House of Representative, Defence Minister, Gen. Theophilus .Y Danjuma, Information and National Orientation Minister, Professor Jerry Gana, Iron and Steel Minister, Dr. Segun Agagu, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Isaac Alfa and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Victor Ombu.

During the flight to Moscow, Obasanjo was presented with a surprise birthday cake by members of the entourage who also sang the traditional ""Happy Birthday" song in unison.