Consulate of Russian Federation inaugurated

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 23 (UNI) Russian Ambassador to India Vyacheslav I Trubnikov inaugurated the Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation here today.

At a colourful function, Mr Vyacheslav inaugurated the Consulate by hoisting the Russian National flag on the Consulate premises at Russian Cultural Centre, Vanross Junction.

Russian Cultural Center Director Ratheesh C Nair assumed the charge of the Honorary Consul on the occasion.

Kerala Forest Minister Binoy Viswam and Consul General of the Russian Federation in South India Vladislav Antonyuk were also present.

The opening of the Honorary Consulate here marks a major step forward in the furtherance of Indo-Russian ties. Normally, Honorary Consulates are opened in metro cities or in the capital if a nation has no embassy there.

Thiruvananthapuram assumes significance owing to the presence of Russia-aided facilities near the city like the Koodankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu which is easily accessible from Thiruvananthapuram than from Chennai and the joint Brahmos cruise missile project.

Moreover, Russia is keenly interested in joining hands with the State in a number of sectors like tourism, culture and commerce.

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