Russia to Discuss Use of Natural Resources at International Forum in Crans-Montane, June 27-30

Today, the international forum in Crans-Montane, Switzerland, opens for the 13th time. According to the press service of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia, our country will be represented in Crans-Montane by Irina Osokina, a deputy Minister of Natural Resources. Discussed at the forum will be the expansion of the European Union, partnership between the public and private sectors of candidate members of the EU as concerns developing the countries' infrastructures, and the eastward expansion of NATO. Mrs. Osokina is also supposed to discuss the future prospects of international cooperation, involving Russia, in respect with the use of natural resources.

The international forum in Crans-Montane has been held annually since 1989. It is an international public club of sorts where opinions concerning various political and economic issues of global or regional significance are freely exchanged. The sessions of the forum are attended by the former and current heads of state, prime ministers, political and public figures, representatives of international organisations, and entrepreneurs.