ITAR-TASS - 03.05.2006

ITAR-TASS

Lavrov goes on North American tour

MOSCOW - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has gone on a North American tour. He will have negotiations in Ottawa, Washington and New York on key international problems in the light of Russia’s presidency in the G8. 

The Canadian visit, which will end on March 6, aims for establishing contacts with the new Conservative government, Foreign Ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said. 

Russia and Canada have common interests as fuel exporters, he said. 

Canada is helping the chemical disarmament and the disposal of decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines in Russia. 

“The economic relations have a positive dynamic. Trade enlarged 30% to $1.8 billion in 2005. Canadian investments in Russia have topped $1.2 billion,” Kamynin said. 

Lavrov will discuss the future of the Russian-U.S. partnership during the U.S. visit on March 6-8. President George Bush will receive him in Washington. Lavrov will also have negotiations with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Congressmen and political scientists. 

“The meetings will focus on the situation in conflict zones, including the Mideast, the response to terrorism, and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” Kamynin said. “They will also speak of negotiations on the Russian accession to the World Trade Organization, the invalidation of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, and energy dialog,” he said. 

“Russia is ready for a frank conversation with administration members, political scientists and Congressmen. It will explain the attitude to topical international problems and various aspects of the domestic political situation,” Kamynin said. “The current level of the bilateral relations makes it possible to hold an honest and constructive dialog on any issues. It would be good for both countries to shield the partnership from one-time political trends and unscrupulous attacks. The pragmatic interaction of recent years has helped to find solutions for the most difficult problems,” he said. 

Lavrov will meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in New York on March 8.