OREANDA-NEWS. On 10 March 2009 was announced, that delegation of the United States of America Consulate General in St. Petersburg led by the Consul General Sheila S. Gwaltney is making a visit to the Republic of Karelia. The object of the visit is negotiating with the government of the republic on extension of cooperation. On March 3, Ms. Gwaltney met with the Head of the Republic of Karelia Sergey Katanandov.

During negotiations the parties have rated high that potential of economic and humanitarian cooperation achieved in recent years. Volume of foreign trade operations between Karelia and the USA during the precritical period has reached the sum of USD 31 million a year. In territory of the republic there are six enterprises in which American investors participate. Cooperation within the scope of the twin-cities' movement (Petrozavodsk-Duluth, Minnesota) started in 1987 is developing. Active cooperation in the line of education and culture is supported.

However, with great concern it was noted at the negotiation, that the world economic and financial crisis has marred our mutual relations. In 2008 for the first time in many years Karelia had negative trading balance with the USA, i.e. we have started to sell less domestic production and buy more in the States. Relentless figures denotes economic problems in mutual relations that demands politicians' interference.

Head of the Republic and Ms. Consul General have exchanged opinions on reasons and consequences of the global crisis. And it was interesting to learn, that the American society is now discussing ways of surmounting the crisis, just as in Russia. Scientists, economists, businessmen and politicians try to understand what is going on and how to deal with it.

- We realize the outstanding role of economy of the USA in the modern world, and we understand that no positive changes are possible without it, - Sergey Katanandov has told. - However, it is ridiculous to think, that one country can solve this global problem independently, only for itself. The crisis has shown our tight bounds with each other, thus, to search for crisis measures we can only together, on ways of cooperation.

Parties have planned a number of approaches to extend economic cooperation between the Republic of Karelia and the USA.

The visit schedule of the U.S. Consul General also includes meetings in the Legislative Assembly of Karelia, in the Administration of Petrozavodsk, and in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Karelia.