Sweden Shows Willingness to Cooperate with Russia's Northwest

Cooperation of Sweden with Russia's North-western regions was discussed during the visit to the country of Viktor Cherkesov, the President's Plenipotentiary in the North-western. Federal District, from February 19 through 22. The visit had been initiated by the Swedish Foreign Ministry. Mr. Cherkesov discussed extending both economic and cultural cooperation with Mrs. Lena Elm-Vallen, the Prime Minister of Sweden. The Swedes say they are not only prepared to cooperate with the Northwestern regions of Russia but would also like to take part in the projects related to the celebration of the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. Mr. Cherkesov also met with the Vice-Speaker and the heads of the committees of the Swedish parliament, the top officials of the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs, and representatives from the Swedish Agency for International Development. After the meetings, he visited Sweden's largest companies such as Eriksson and Telia interested in carrying out joint projects in Russia's Northwest.