Department of Natural Resources
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Released: 08 September, 2003

Dhaliwal to strengthen ties during Russian visit

OTTAWA — Canada and Russia will continue to forge stronger links in the natural resources sector and allied industries as a result of the visit by the Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). He is visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg from September 7 to 11.

“Canada’s expertise, innovation and leadership are an ideal fit for Russia’s needs in natural resources,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “Therefore, I look forward to identifying ways in which our two countries can share experiences in natural resources.”

During his visit to Moscow, Minister Dhaliwal will tour a timber-frame construction site operated by Kanadastroy Ltd., a Canadian company. He will address Canadian business leaders working in Russia at a breakfast meeting, and learn about their experiences in Russia. In St. Petersburg, he will deliver remarks at the International Metals Recycling Conference, hosted by the St. Petersburg State Mining Institute.

He also plans to meet with a number of ministers and other officials of the Russian government:

• Alexei Gordeyev, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Agriculture and Co-Chair of the Canada-Russia Intergovernmental Economic Commission;
• Igor Yusufov, Minister of Energy;
• Vitaly Artukhov, Minister of Natural Resources; and
• Vladimir Grachev, Chair of the State Duma Environmental Committee.

Issues to be discussed relate to forestry, water, energy, climate change, the Kimberly Process of diamond certification, and regulations pertaining to foreign investments in mining, oil and gas.

Canada’s relationship with Russia in natural resources sectors is strong and has benefited from frequent contact in the past. The proposed program in Russia acknowledges this healthy relationship, and also provides the Minister with valuable information and contacts to move the relationship forward.

“The natural resources sector and allied industries play an important role as a major engine of economic growth and job creation in all regions of both of our countries,” said Minister Dhaliwal. “In addition, Russia is on the road to opening up to foreign investment. I know that there is great potential for business in both the Russian and Canadian natural resources sectors.”

The visit to Russia immediately follows Minister Dhaliwal’s visit to Aberdeen, Scotland, where he attended the Offshore Europe 2003 Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, and met with Stephen Timms, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Energy.

This visit builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment to securing our place in the world as a mature country, confident in who we are and where we are headed. It is also part of the Government of Canada’s trade and investment strategy, and is designed to support and promote the natural resources sector and allied industries.

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