Regional heads to discuss Russia's stronger role in Asia-Pacific

MOSCOW, May 16 (Itar-Tass) - The tasks of strengthening Russia's
position in the Asia-Pacific Region will top the agenda of the 17th
meeting of the Council of heads of Russia's constituent territories under
the Foreign Ministry.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will chair the meeting that opens on
Monday.
Participants in the meeting will discuss "inclusion of Siberia and the
Far East to regional integration processes in the Asia-Pacific Region
taking into account Russia's upcoming presidency of the APEC summit in
2012," a Foreign Ministry official said.
They will also consider a report of the Council's working group on the
implementation of regional programs of support for Russian compatriots and
assistance to voluntary resettlement of compatriots residing abroad.
The Council that was set up under the Russian Foreign Ministry at the
president's instruction in 2003 helps regions to develop foreign economic
relations and provides them with opportunities to participate in drafting
proposals for foreign political and economic policies.