Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is to lead a delegation of industry leaders on a four day visit to Russia, it was announced.
The mission starts on Sunday and is designed to underline the importance of economic links between the two countries as well as discuss the international response to the global financial crisis.
Lord Mandelson said: "We are the largest investors in Russia and so UK business has a significant stake in the Russian economy and significant interests in its success.
"Russian companies are active in London's financial markets. When countries all over the world are hit by economic slowdown, it is important that we maintain political and business engagement."
During the visit, Lord Mandelson is expected to hold discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Kudrin and other senior ministers, meet representatives of Russian businesses including the financial services and energy sectors and take part in discussions on the trade and investment climate in Russia.
He has also been invited to speak to university students on The Global Economy: why integration works.
Business leaders on the visit will include CBI director general Richard Lambert.
Exports from the UK to Russia are now worth more than £2.6 billion a year, up by more than 50% on a year ago.
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