Vladimir Evlanov met with Consul-General of Great Britain in St. Petersburg

Today the delegation of Consulate-General of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in St. Petersburg was received in Krasnodar city administration. The meeting was held by Head of the city Vladimir Evlanov.

— On behalf of all citizens of our city and on my own behalf I am glad to welcome you to Krasnodar.  Presently our city is actively developing: it takes leading position throughout the country by commissioning of residential houses. In recent years analysts repeatedly declared Krasnodar to be one of the most business-friendly cities and one of the cities of Russia with most convenient living conditions. Now we are very interested in developing of foreign affairs in sphere of economy, culture and education. I’m sure that our city will be interesting for you in this context and we’ll find common ground, — Vladimir Evlanov said.

This is the first Consulate-General of Great Britain in St. Petersburg visit in Krasnodar. The delegation is headed by Consul-General of Great Britain in St. Petersburg Keith Allan.

Vladimir Evlanov told guests of the history of Krasnodar foundation, social and economic development of the city, its investment attractiveness, culture and sports development and emphasized that the city — capital of Krasnodar Region which will host Winter Olympic Games — is waiting for this global sports event.

In his turn Keith Allan stated that the aim of his visit is actually to get acquainted with the Region and have a look at process of preparations to Olympiad. Indeed, hosting of Olympic Games is efforts not Sochi alone but the whole Region. He can view the matter by experience of London where Summer Olympic Games were held in 2012.

Vladimir Evlanov referred in detail on cooperation with sister-cities. They include Nottingham with which bilateral cooperation agreement was signed in 2010. According to Head of Krasnodar, another sister-city of Krasnodar in Germany — Karlsruhe rendered a great assistance in this field. Karlsruhe itself is on friendly terms and maintains partnership relations with Nottingham.

— We would be very glad if our cooperation with Nottingham would develop more actively and find new areas and forms, — Vladimir Evlanov said. Additionally he remarked that by the example of other sister-cities it would be possible to organize cooperation between youth and pupils, educational institutions.  

Also Head of Krasnodar told about tradition of inviting delegations of sister-cities to celebrate the City Day in the last weekend of September. Among permanent participants of celebrating events are delegations from Karlsruhe (Germany) and Harbin (P.R. China). In 2010 representatives from Nottingham were also among honourable guests. Vladimir Evlanov expressed his hope that foreign guests will visit Kuban capital in this September again and offered Keith Allan to visit the city too.

I can see that your city has an intensive business, public and cultural life. We are heartily received here. And from my part I’m willing to render aid in development of in-depth contacts between Krasnodar and Nottingham, - Keith Allan underlined.

According to consul-general opinion there are additional opportunities for that cooperation in 2014, because this year was declared to be a Cross-year of culture in the UK and Russia. This international project suggests the possibility of conversance with the best samples of culture in Great Britain and Russia.  A range of events have already taken place in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Vladimir Evlanov marked that there are a number of merited cultural collectives, e.g. Kuban Cossacks Choir, that could become well-deserved participators of this international project.

Among prospective areas of cooperation Head of Kuban capital marked out the development of economic relations.

- Today we are interested in attraction of new investors, first of all — in industrial sector. There are enough sites for location of manufacturing plants and enterprises within Krasnodar.

Keith Allan was appointed to the post of Her Majesty's Consul-General in St. Petersburg in October 2013.