Putin backs Siemens, Rosatom nuclear pact

MOSCOW, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin urged German conglomerate Siemens AG (SIEGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) to forge a "strategic" partnership with state nuclear firm Rosatom during talks on Monday, a union that could lead to a powerful alliance.

"It's important that special relations appear between your company and Rosatom," Putin said during a meeting with Siemens chief executive Peter Loescher.

"In essence, it's a strategic partnership."

Putin first said in January that Siemens and Rosatom, both major players on world nuclear markets, had pledged to look at closer cooperation. [ID:nL3495647]

A source within Rosatom told Interfax news agency last month the venture could be created this year, a move that could irk French firm Areva (CEPFi.PA: Quote, Profile, Research), which had earlier agreed to work with Siemens on a nuclear reactor project. Areva has said the decision breaches a non-competition clause. [ID:nL1652008]

Loescher said at the meeting with Putin on Monday that talks were progressing. "On the whole, the discussions are going well," Loescher said during the portion of the meeting at which reporters were present. "We've had relations of high trust." (Reporting by Gleb Bryanski; Editing by Dan Lalor)