OREANDA-NEWS. October 3, 2012. Alexander Chazhengin, First Deputy Head of the Republic of Karelia for Regional Policy, held a meeting with Bruce Turner, U.S. Consul General in St.Petersburg, who's arrived in Karelia on a working visit.

Bruce Turner, who has become the U.S. Consul General in St.Petersburg last October took part in the public seminar American Finns in Prewar Karelia held within the scope of cooperation between the National Library of the Republic of Karelia, National Museum of Karelia, the National Archive of Karelia and U.S. Consulate General in St.Petersburg.

U.S. scientists and experts also took part in the seminar devoted to one of the most bright, but tragic pages in history of Russia and the USA of the beginning of the XXth century, when about six thousand Red Finns emigrated first from Finland to America, and then moved again to Soviet Karelia with a dream to build a new just society.

During the meeting Mr Turner stated his high opinion of the level of the seminar.

– It was a great honour for me to take part in this international seminar. Studying history is as important in strengthening of relations, as relations in the sphere of business. It is necessary to have such relations in every sphere of our life, – he said.

Alexander Chazhengin also responded with approval about the importance of such events in strengthening of international relations.

– It is very important that such projects are implemented today, as they, first of all, are focused on establishing of relations between people. We are ready to keep supporting this work and to develop international exchanges at the most different levels, – Alexander Chazhengin mentioned.

During the conversation he has acquainted the visitor with social and economic situation in the republic and the policy pursued by the Government of Karelia for development of the economy, culture and social sphere. Unfortunately, the parties noted, economic cooperation between Karelia and the USA has been diminishing recently, as caused by the situation in the world market. Nevertheless, Alexander Chazhengin invited American businessmen to take part in investing in the economy of Karelia.

In turn, Mr Turner invited Karelia to take part in investment forums that will take place soon in Moscow and in St.Petersburg at participation of representatives of the U.S. business.

As the Consul General admitted, Karelia produced a great impression on him. The next day he intends to visit the Kizhi State Open-Air Museum of History, Architecture and Ethnography, one of the most famous monuments within the territory of our republic.