RUSSIA: State railway RZD announced on October 24 that it had signed a six-year agreement with Spain's RENFE Operadora under which the organisations will co-operate to share their experiences in areas including the selection, production, operation and maintenance of high-speed trains.

The companies will also discuss passenger and freight operations, logistics and management, as well as the production, maintenance and modernisation of rolling stock.

A committee is to be established to co-ordinate the joint activities, with annual meetings alternating between Russia and Spain.