OREANDA-NEWS. On May 20, 2008 the ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation and OJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel (MMC Norilsk Nickel of the Company) entered into a Cooperation Agreement, reported the press-centre of Norilsk Nickel.

The document was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and by General Director of MMC Norilsk Nickel Denis Morozov.

Under the Agreement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation will provide its competent support to foreign economic activities of MMC Norilsk Nickel, rendering, in particular, advice and information to the Company to ensure joint countering of transnational organized crime and terrorism.

The Company, in its turn, undertakes to extend support to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by sharing its expertise, statistics and databases related to international cooperation.

One of important areas of the parties’ joint activities will encompass their cooperative efforts on the international arena, including those performed in the framework of multilateral organizations. The main goal of cooperation is to develop best practices for countering trafficking of raw materials containing precious metals, and preventing the use of revenues from such illegal trade in sponsoring organized crime and terrorism.

‘As a global company, Norilsk Nickel is highly interested in the efficient protection of its economic interests on international markets and in participation in national-level projects aimed at countering international terrorism. I am sure that joining efforts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation we shall be able to make a significant input in the eradication of unlawful transnational trade network and repression of terrorist activities’, - Denis Morozov said.

The Agreement comes into force upon its signing and shall be valid for one year, with possible automatic extension until its termination by any of the parties.