Sources in the Russian finance Ministry told RIA Novosti that Mr. Kudrin stops in London on the way from Morocco to Moscow.

Past weekend Mr. Kudrin participated in the work of the first Forum for the Future in the capital of Morocco, Rabat. Foreign and finance ministers of the Region of the Broader Middle East and North Africa and their G8 partners took part in the forum.

The participants examined ways of consolidating the commitment of Middle East and North African countries to fruitful co-developme

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nt and the harmonious strengthening of the process of political, economic and social reform in the region on the basis of authentic G-8 partnership.

During his visit to the United Kingdom, the Russian finance minister will meet with his British counterpart, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown. They will discuss cooperation in the framework of the G8 and several issues of mutual interest, the sources in the Russian finance ministry reported.

In addition, on December 14, Mr. Kudrin will attend the presentation of the Russian charity foundation Northern Crown in Great Britain. The presentation will be held at the Russian Embassy in London, which supports the charity.

The Northern Crown foundation of social, charity and cultural programs was founded in 2000. The foundation has developed and is carrying out successfully the program Decent life for Russian children aimed at support of childrens homes, orphanages and boarding schools. Mr. Kudrins spouse, Irina Kudrin, is the head of the foundation. Its major sponsors are such prominent representatives of Russian cultural circles as movie director Andrei Konchalovski, musician Yuri Bashmet, designer Valentin Yudashkin and others.

The foundation provides medical, psychological and pedagogical assistance to orphans and abandoned children.

LONDON, December 13 (RIA Novosti)