Russia, Canada consider reviving WWII-era sea route - first deputy premier
OTTAWA. June 2 (Interfax) - The authorities in Moscow and Ottawa are generally positive about an initiative to re-establish a mercantile sea route between the two countries, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov said after talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Zubkov also described his meeting with Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella as quite useful.
Among other topics, the sides discussed the possibility of reviving a sea route that was used to deliver supplies to Russia during World War II.
"Why not? We transported military cargo at that time, but today we are building trade relations. There is a need to develop sea commerce and transportation. The directors of ports in St. Petersburg, Murmansk, Akhangelsk, Halifax and other ports could gather in Moscow to discuss such a possibility," Zubkov said.
Commenting on Canada's attitude to cooperation with Russia in general, the first deputy premier said that "very good and useful relations have been developing."
Canada expressly supports Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization, he said.
Zubkov's meeting with Harper took place after a session of the Russian-Canadian Business Council, which discussed ways to expand trade and investment relations between the two countries.
"Harper noted that relations with Russia will continue developing positively in forthcoming years. Our trade and economic relations should be promoted further," Zubkov said.
The Canadian prime minister also expressed his interest in visiting Russia, he said.