Canadian Minister to visit Russia's extreme north

The visit by Canadian Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Robert D. Nault to Russia is aimed at examining the situation in northern Russia.

The Canadian Embassy's press service told RIA Novosti that Nault would stay for a week in Moscow. During this period, the Canadian delegation headed by the minister is due to visit several northern regions of Russia. According to the embassy officials, the delegation includes legislators and heads of the House of Commons' committees on aboriginal affairs, northern development, and natural resources.

The embassy officials stressed that the current visit to Russia is called to "put into life" the protocols signed during the North to North symposium held in Ottawa in December 2001. Among the issues considered during the forum was the enhancement of co-operation between the two countries' northern territories.

The Canadian delegation plans to meet in Moscow representatives of the Russian association of native peoples of the North, Cabinet members, and legislators.