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Russia's Primorsky territory ready to develop ties with US

The sides said at the Monday talks they expect that the APEC summit will impart a new powerful impulse to cooperation

VLADIVOSTOK, July 30 (Itar-Tass) — Russia’s Primorsky /Maritime/ territory is showing readiness to develop ties with the U.S. in science, culture, tourism, and education, Alexander Los, the vice governor of the territory said Monday at a meeting with Rita Jo Lewis, the U.S. Special Representative for Global Intergovernmental Affairs.

Lewis pointed out a long history of relations between the Primorsky territory and the U.S., adding that it would be only logical to continue developing them in the future.

She said the U.S. authorities are ready to facilitate the visits of Primorsky governors and vice governors to any constituent state of the U.S.

Lewis also had a meeting with the Mayor of Vladivostok, Igor Pushkaryov.

A part of her visit to Vladivostok is devoted to preparations for a summit conference of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum /APEC/ where Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will lead the U.S. delegation.

It is a very important thing to visit the city that will host a summit as important as that one in a just a month’s time, Lewis said.

The sides said at the Monday talks they expect that the APEC summit will impart a new powerful impulse to cooperation between the Primorsky territory and the U.S.

One of the instruments expected to lubricate the process is the Open Skies regime that has been established at Vladivostok's new international airport, Mayor Pushkaryov said. It opens up the airport for hosting and servicing the jets of any airlines without any supplementary agreements and bureaucratic procrastinations.

There are hopes that direct flights between Vladivostok and airports in the U.S. may resume as a result of effectuation of this measure.