The forthcoming Russia-European Union (EU) summit will lay a basis for the development of relations between the two parties in many key aspects, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying on Thursday.

The May 10 summit held in Moscow "can become a turning point in the history of bilateral relations and lay a solid foundation for their dynamic and progressive development", Yakovenko told a news briefing here on Thursday.

Referring to the so-called four "common spaces" in the external policy -- economics; freedom; security and justice; education, culture and research -- the spokesman said texts of joint plans of action are being finalized.

According to Yakovenko, substantive talks will be held at the summit on how to improve the relations of the two sides and solve remaining differences.

The summit will also review the implementation of the joint statement signed in Luxembourg in 2004 on the EU's enlargement process.

Relations between Brussels and Moscow have been tense since 10 formerly pro-Moscow central and east European countries joined the EU last year expanding the bloc to 25 nations.

Source: Xinhua