Timetable of Russian-U.S. cooperation in 2009
The year 2009 to join the history as the year of renaissance
On January 31, the Government of the Russian Federation issued Resolution № 93p, declaring the first Russian National Exhibition to be held in the U.S.
On February 19, U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden promised EU leaders the assurance of the U.S. President that a «reset» of Russian-American relations was underway. Reports about Russia in the U.S. media subsequently began to become more positive, due to the sensation of an imminent decline in the tensions between the two countries.
Two weeks later, in March, U.S. President Barack Obama repeated these words of assurance, stating that due to the past positive experiences of collaboration between Russia and the U.S., a «reset», a completely new approach towards relations, was needed.
On April 1, at the first meeting of the U.S. and Russian Presidents in London, a common declaration was issued regarding the necessity of inspiring a new dynamic in business and commercial relations. The common declaration states that business leaders in both countries should use all the opportunities available to generate economic cooperation.
On July 7, U.S. President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev met once again, this time in Moscow with the participants in the U.S.-Russia Business Forum, to reaffirm their intention to bring about a new stage in Russian-American relations. By mutual agreement, the U.S.-Russia Bilateral Presidential Commission was established, with a mandate for industry groups to coordinate their activities. The business communities of both countries were offered detailed initiatives and projects regarding financial mechanisms, and tasked with defending consumer rights and investments and modernizing export control schemes.
On July 21, the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade, Viktor Khristenko, met the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, John Beyrle, in Moscow. The main topics of discussion included the development of business connections, economic and trade relations between Russia and the U.S., and the prospects of cooperation between high-technology companies. Mr. Khristenko remarked on the importance of maintaining most favored nation status for all bilateral projects, for the duration of the global economic crisis.
Both delegations noted the great potential for cooperation in the automotive industry, mining and metals, airplane and helicopter manufacturing, engine manufacturing, and biotechnology.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Khristenko stated once more that, in many of the discussed sectors, new and mutually-beneficial initiatives might begin during the Russian National Exhibition in Chicago.
On August 4, The U.S. President Obama and Russian President Medvedev, during telephone conversation, noted the importance of maintaining trust between their administrations.
What’s next? What steps will be made by the countries?
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