The US state of Alaska should expand direct flights to Russia's Far East to deepen the existing partnership and interaction between the regions, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz told Sputnik.
ANCHORAGE (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 28th August, 2018) The US state of Alaska should expand direct flights to Russia's Far East to deepen the existing partnership and interaction between the regions, Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz told Sputnik.
"We don't have enough communication and transit routes between the communities, and at some point they have to be restored, or built anew," Berkowitz said.
Asked whether he proposes direct flights between the regions, the Mayor said "yes."
Berkowitz argued Russia's Far East is closer to Anchorage than to Moscow, while Anchorage is closer to the Far East than to Washington, DC. Therefore, closer ties and enhanced cooperation, in light of geographical proximity and shared issues, will improve the situation in both regions.
Yakutia Airlines is currently in talks to expand its flights to Alaska.
Berkowitz also called for closer ties between sister cities, universities and scientists of the two countries to jointly solve issues at hand.
"There are discussions of university exchanges. We are thinking about what we can do for search and rescue work and how we can ensure investment opportunities for local communities," Berkowitz said.
In late July, the city of Anchorage hosted an annual session of the Russian American Pacific Partnership (RAPP), attended by officials and representatives of businesses and NGOs from both countries.
