V Annual International Conference "CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION: THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, THE EUROPEAN UNION AND NORWAY"

I.Klebanov, the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the North-West federal district:
"The cross-border cooperation of the Russian Federation and contiguous states - members of the European Union is effected on the territory of the Northwest Federal District due to its geopolitical location. The potential of this cooperation becomes a major component of the plans of social and economic development of regions. Over the five years the district has created the basic elements of the system of cross-border cooperation: the Coordination Council on cross-border and interregional cooperation under the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation, the Center of Russian-European interregional and cross-border cooperation under the ANO "North-West Development and Investment Promotion Agency", an information portal on cross-border cooperation. An important contribution to expanding the practical dialogue on the most relevant issues of development of the relations of contiguous countries and regions is made by the annual international conference "Cross-border cooperation: the Russian Federation, the European Union and Norway" that has become an effective platform for working out strategic solutions and evaluating their effectiveness. I wish fruitful work and success to all participants of the 5th jubilee conference!"

V. Basargin, Minister of Regional Development of the Russian Federation:
"On behalf of the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, and on my own behalf, I would like to welcome the participants of Fifth Anniversary Conference "Cross-border Cooperation: Russian Federation, European Union and Norway." Over the last five years the conference became an important arena for exchange of ideas and developing practical solutions in cross-border cooperation. Recommendations of the conference have contributed significantly to sharing experience and knowledge not only within the local area but within all the borderline regions of the Russian Federation. Borderline regions are often far away from national centers and close to borderline regions of neighboring countries, which makes cross-border cooperation an important resource of social and economic development of the territories on both sides. I am hopeful that the recommendations of the conference will promote productive cooperation between different countries and will improve the welfare of local residents. Let me wish all the participants of the Conference "Cross-border Cooperation: Russian Federation, European Union and Norway" productive and fruitful exchange of ideas and opinions."

S.Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation:
"I am glad to welcome the participants and guests of the Conference that becomes a good tradition, a steadfast item of the agenda of relations between Russia, the European Union and Norway in the field of transfrontier cooperation. Consolidated contacts between the border areas of our countries contribute to building of Europe without dividing lines and are a useful tool in searching for joint solutions of problems both at the interregional and interstate levels. This year your forum is especially relevant in advance of the launch of new programs of cross-border cooperation for the period until 2013 involving regions of the North-West Federal District of the Russian Federation and their partners from the European Union and Norway. Implementation of the programs allows better fulfillment of the potential of cooperation of Russia with its European neighbours, creation of a solid structure of diversified interaction in the interests of all participants. We also consider these programs to be an excellent opportunity for optimizing new mechanisms of financial and technical interaction between Russia and the European Union. I wish successful work to the participants of the Conference."

V.Serdyukov, Governor of the Leningrad region:
"Being a border region of Russia the Leningrad region has gained vast experience in the recent years of interacting with the neighbouring countries: Finland and Estonia, including interaction within the framework of the programs of cross-border cooperation of the European Union. Joint projects have been implemented in many important spheres, such as development of small and medium business, environmental protection, social protection and employment of the population, healthcare, development of local self-government. We have learnt to respond jointly to present-day challenges and to solve common problems. I am convinced that our cooperation has good prospects and a considerable development potential. It is necessary to make more effective use of the available financial resources and opportunities contained in the mechanism of cross-border cooperation directing them for the benefit of the residents of our territories. I whole-heartedly wish you fruitful work, informative discussions and gaining new knowledge!"