Alaska State Legislature

News From The Senate and House Majorities

Ken Freeman, House Press Secretary (907) 258-8164
Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Press Secretary (907) 258-8184
Anchorage Legislative Information Office
Anchorage, AK 99501-2133
web site = http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Alaska Diplomatic Mission Visits Sister State

Alaska Legislators and Khabarovsk Duma Members Lay Groundwork For Political and Economic Future

For Immediate Release: October 3, 1997 Contact Wendy Lindskoog at (907) 258-8184 or Ken Freeman at (907) 258-8164

Khabarovsk (Russian Far East) - In a historic event Thursday, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Gail Phillips addressed the Khabarovsk Territory Duma in the region's legislative chambers. This is the first time the Khabarovsk Duma has invited a foreign delegation to address their members during session.

"We were honored to speak to the Khabarovsk Duma members and are excited to build on the work we began when we signed the Memorandum of Cooperation with our Sister State in April, 1996," said Miller.

"Khabarovsk Governor Victor Ishaev and Duma Chairman Victor Ozerov have demonstrated such a level of warmth and hospitality that it is clear to us Alaska government officials and business leaders are welcome in Khabarovsk," Phillips said.

"Alaska's proximity to Khabarovsk and our many shared similarities including climate, abundant natural resources, and legislative structure have made it easy to develop government to government relations," said Miller. "The friendships we are forming on a political level are opening doors for Alaska businesses."

"Because Khabarovsk is the hub of economic activity and political influence in the Russian Far East, we have seen many different nations vying for the same economic opportunities as Alaska," said Phillips. "It is essential we help Alaskans be players by establishing good working relationships on a government to government basis. That's why we are here - that's why we will continue to nurture the relationships we have begun."

Phillips and Miller presented the Khabarovsk Duma members with a complete set of Alaska Statutes and an international arbitration/dispute resolution system translated into Russian. On Friday, Alaska legislators met with Khabarovsk Duma members in small subcommittee groups to discuss specific issues affecting the business climate in the Russian Far East. These issues included finance, budgets, taxation and the importance of both sides developing strong ties to ensure that Alaska businesses will feel more comfortable forming businesses relationships and investing in the Russian Far East.

Seeing the level of interest in sharing information and the great potential successful economic joint ventures, Miller and Phillips extended an official invitation to Kharbarovsk Duma members to visit Alaska in order to delve deeper into specific topics that affect trade, development and commerce between the two regions.

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