Kremlin chief of staff to discuss stronger dialogue with France

MOSCOW, May 16 (Itar-Tass) - The head of the presidential
administration, Sergei Naryshkin, begins a working visit to France on
Monday to discuss plans for stronger dialogue between the two countries.
On Monday evening he is expected to meet with France's Minister of
Foreign and European Affairs Alain Juppe. On Tuesday Naryshkin will lead
the Russian delegation to the first meeting of the organizing committee
for holding the season of the Russian language and literature in France
and the season of the French language and literature in Russia in 2012.
The exchange of opinions on bilateral cooperation will be continued at
the meeting with Elysee Secretary General Xavier Musca.
According to France's political circles, last year's Russia-France
cross-cultural year surpassed similar programs carried out by Paris with
other countries. Around 5 million Russian and French citizens visited
exhibitions, forums, concerts and festivals included in the cross-cultural
year program. Over 400 cultural, economic, educational and scientific
events initiated by the authorities, business circles and civil society
were organized at the national and regional levels.
Moscow and Paris agreed to continue this unique project. During its
visit to France the Russian delegation will discuss the program for future
cultural seasons.
The Russian-French Film Academy created within the framework of the
cross-cultural year is aimed to boost the production of Russian-French
films and promote Russian films in France and French cinema in Russia.
Cooperation in modern literary translation will also be given a fresh
impetus being based at the International College of Literary Translators
in Arles, southern France.