EU and Russia hold talks

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Trade and energy were among the key issues on the agenda Wednesday when European Union leaders met with their Russian counterparts in Sweden, observers say.

Moscow and the EU are in the process of rebuilding relations following last year's war between Georgia and Russia, the BBC reports.

The EU wants assurances a disruption of gas exports to the West won't be repeated.

A quarter of the gas consumed in the EU comes from Russia with most of it transported through the Ukraine.

In January, Russia cut off gas supplies for two weeks during a dispute with Kiev.

With 500 million people, the European Union is Moscow's biggest trading partner and depends heavily on Russia for gas. At the same time, the Russians are seeking more foreign investment.

Wednesday's talks are being held in Stockholm because Sweden currently holds the EU's rotating six-month presidency.