Russian PM inaugurates Russian Information Centre

New Delhi, Feb 13 (UNI) Russian Prime Minister Victor Zubkov today formally launched the Russian Information Centre (RIC) here, hoping it would become an ''important symbol of Russia's informational presence in India'' and an important avenue for communication on business, culture and science of the two countries.

Mr Zubkov said that during his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday, they had noted repeatedly that the two countries were not getting adequate information on each other's life. ''The present customary mode of getting news from each other does not correspond with the rhythm of rapid development of our two nations. One should not ignore the acute interest of our two nations towards each other,'' he pointed out.

The visiting dignitary said the RIC would would satisfy this need to the full, and it would enable the Indian media and people to get ''a balanced and reliable information here.'' Exuding confidence that the RIC would become an important symbol of Russia's informational presence in India, he said the Centre would acquire a firm status of the ''main venue of communication of our two nations'', be it the representatives of the world of business, culture and science of the two countries.

''This is the role that we allocate to the Russian Information Centre,'' he said.

UNI/SKS VD HT1638