Lao President Choummaly Sayasone meets in Moscow Thursday with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for talks expected to focus on rapidly growing trade between their countries.

Russian statistics show two-way trade totaled almost $40 million in the first seven months of this year, compared to less than $9 million in all of 2010. Russian sales to Laos account for almost all of the trade.

Russian news reports say the leaders also are seeking to cooperate on large-scale projects in the areas of telecommunications, hydropower and mining.

The reports say special attention will be paid to coordinating activities with respect to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and other international organizations.