Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will attend the Foreign Ministry for a meeting of Rossotrudnichestvo. The PM will discuss cooperation with CIS members, humanitarian and migration policy, support of compatriots abroad, coordination of Russian agencies and NGOs in culture, science, education, RIA Novosti reports.
Rossotrudnichestvo Chief Constantine Kosachyov said that the organization plans to have its authority expanded for further development, basing on bilateral relations and such multilateral organizations as the UN, G8, G20, OECD, Kommersant reports.
Kosachyov said that France spent about $1 billion, UK $1 billion, Germany $303 million tofinance assistance programs. Russia spends only $60 million.
The official said that Russia needed to improve its image abroad, especially in the light of foreign criticism. He mentioned the image of China, where the authorities do not try to adjust it. Russia experienced foreign pressure during Gorbachev and Yeltsin.
Rossotrudnichestvo was formed by President Dmitry Medvedev in 2008, as an analogue of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Rossotrudnichestvo promotes Russian influence abroad.
