Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty © 2008

Despite the statement issued at the end of the meeting, the finance ministers described world economic growth as solid and said it will continue to grow in 2006.

The G-8 comprises the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada in addition to Russia.

Today's meeting in Moscow was the first ever G8 gathering hosted and led by Russia. The issue of energy security topped the agenda.

Doubts were raised last month when Moscow briefly switched off gas supplies to Ukraine and Moldova in a dispute over pricing that affected Russian deliveries to Western Europe.

As one of the world 's leading producers of oil and gas, Russia's revenues from energy were one of the reasons its economy grew by 6 percent last year.

The finance ministers also discussed debt relief for poor countries. Russia said it will write off $668 million in Third World debt in 2006.

(complied from agency reports)

G8 Finance Ministers In Moscow

(RFE/RL)
11 February 2006 - Finance ministers of the Group of Eight (G8) major industrialized countries today issued a statement warning that high prices for oil and gas would be a threat to economic growth in 2006.

G8 Finance Ministers In Moscow

(RFE/RL)11 February 2006 - Finance ministers of the Group of Eight (G8) major industrialized countries today issued a statement warning that high prices for oil and gas would be a threat to economic growth in 2006.

(RFE/RL)
11 February 2006 - Finance ministers of the Group of Eight (G8) major industrialized countries today issued a statement warning that high prices for oil and gas would be a threat to economic growth in 2006.