Official at US Consulate in Vladivostok Assesses Economic Potential of Sakhalin

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK. March 4. VOSTOK-MEDIA – The Minister for Natural Resources and Environment Protection of Sakhalin Oblast Nikolay Ushakov held a meeting Wednesday with Economic Affairs Consul of the US Consulate General in Vladivostok Kathleen Shpila.

Also present at the meeting were Head of Foreign Affairs Department and Protocol of the Governor and Government of the Sakhalin Oblast Vadim Rokotov and the Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation in Sakhalin Oblast Vladimir Nosov.

Kathleen Shpila arrived on Sakhalin to inspect the progress of the implementation of oil-and-gas projects and their impact on the environment. Nikolay Ushakov spoke about the companies involved in O&G sector and also the steps taken to prevent oil spills.

During the meeting the Sides rised the issues concerning the development of the US-Russian cooperation. Vadim Rokotov noted with satisfaction the availability of mutual interests in the sphere of economy, culture and education. However, according to him, the lack of air communications in the area hinders the further development of the mutually advantageous relations. At present, SAT airlines has all the documents from the Russian side necessary to establish regular flights serving the route of Yuzho-Sakhalinsk – Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky – Anchorage, but the US authorities delay a decision relating to the issue in question.

Katheleen Shpila agreed that the establishment of air communications between the two regions is in the vital interests of both Sides. She said that upon arrival to Washington she will take all necessary measures to facilitate the decision of this issue.

Vadim Rokotov invited Katheleen Shpila to take part in the commemoration of the 65th Anniversary of WWII, which will take place in Sakhalin in September 2010, and to lend assistance in involvement of the US Military Orchestra in the festive occasion.