Sept. 7—Before returning to Moscow after his successful four-day visit to China, Russian President Vladimir Putin spent a few days in Vladivostok, where he gave a speech at the plenary session of the Far Eastern Economic Forum on Sept. 5. He also held a meeting Sept. 4 on the fuel and energy complex of the Far East where he underlined the need for increased energy with the rapid development occurring in the region and the need for safe and efficient energy transmission to households and businesses. He discussed the major nuclear projects in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk, as well as two smaller energy plants in other parts of the Far East and a floating nuclear plant near Chukotka, to assist a major mining operation in that area.

Putin also spoke of the need to begin the construction of hydroelectric plants for better utilizing the powerful rivers in the Far East region. This would allow the authorities to deal with the energy needs, water supply, and flood control in the region. Putin further declared that the tremendous supply of coal in the region could be more effectively utilized for the region’s energy needs, taking the usual environmental precautions.

Putin raised the opening of new facilities on the same day: the Artem multimodal logistics center; the Khabarovsk International Airport terminal; and the first building of the Innovative Scientific and Technological Center. 

In Vladivostok, Putin visited an exhibit on the 155th Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, a unit that had been conducting the some of the most difficult operations in the special military operation in Ukraine. He was hosted by a soldier, with considerable medals on his chest, who explained the exhibit. He chatted with some of the younger members of the military, including two young women soldiers, twins, who even asked to hug the President, which he of course permitted. Президент России: “Совещание по вопросам развития топливно-энергетического комплекса Дальнего Востока”; “Plenary Session of the 10th Eastern Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin Took Part in the 10th Eastern Economic Forum”