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US, RF sign memo for broader ties in sea man-made disaster cleanup

US has developed long ago with the Russian Federation a joint action plan in emergency situations in case of oils spills in the Bering Sea and the Chukotka Sea

WASHINGTON, November 7 (Itar-Tass) —— The United States and Russia concluded a memorandum of mutual understanding that expands the spheres of bilateral cooperation in the cleanup of sea man-made disasters, including oil spills and the preparations for such emergency situations, the press service of the US Coast Guard told Itar-Tass.

The document was signed in Washington last week. Assistant Commandant of the US Coast Guard Vice-Admiral Brian Salerno signed the memorandum from the US. The document will expand the effect of already existing agreements on joint actions in response to emergency situations similar to the oil spills in the sea. From now one the effect of these agreements will spread on all territorial waters in the US and Russia, Salerno elaborated. Apart from this, the memorandum will bring cooperation to a higher level in research-and-design developments related with oil spills, the drilling of new wells in the Arctic Region.”

The vice-admiral also noted that the United States has developed long ago with the Russian Federation a joint action plan in emergency situations in case of oils spills in the Bering Sea and the Chukotka Sea.”

The vice-admiral gave a high evaluation to the relations between the US Coast Guard and Canada, Russia and Mexico seeking to cooperate in case of environmental protection and what equipment and the task force will be provided in case of some man-made incidents, and the aftermaths of the emergency situations, if such really occur.” The current level of cooperation makes it possible to make regular joint planning and to hold joint exercises, the Assistant Commandant the US Coast Guard underlined.

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