The Ministry of Science and Technology said Tuesday it is preparing science and technology projects with Russia ahead of projected summit talks between the heads of the two countries.

The ministry said it is seeking cooperation for joint development in the hydrogen energy and basic science fields.

In particular, the ministry is encouraged by a project with the Kurchatov Institute, a world-famous Russian research center, for the creation of hydrogen energy.

South Korea and Russia signed a preliminary accord May 23 for cooperation in space technology, which its two presidents will finalize during President Roh Moo-hyun's official visit to the former communist country.

The timetable for Roh's trip to Russia is expected to be set within the next several months.