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Russian PM says Kuril Islands are ‘gates into Asia-Pacific region’

The prime minister promised that the Russian government would work further to improve living conditions for the islands’ citizens

MOSCOW, August 22. /TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who paid a visit to the Kurils on Saturday, described the islands in the Pacific ocean as the country’s gates into the Asia-Pacific region.

"The Kurils have all resources for development of industry, fishing and tourism. These are in fact our gates to one of the most intensively developing part of the world - the Asia-Pacific region," Medvedev wrote on his Facebook page.

The prime minister promised that the Russian government would work further to improve living conditions for the islands’ citizens.

On Saturday, Medvedev landed on Iturup Island as part of his working trip to the country’s Far East. Programme of his visit included participation in a youth educational forum there.

Medvedev first visited the Kuril Islands in 2010 when he was holding the post of the Russian president. He became the first Russian leader to visit the island chain.

In 2012, the premier visited Kunashir, southernmost of the Kuril Islands.

Terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall

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