OREANDA-NEWS. March 24, 2011. Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, co-chaired a meeting of the General Assembly of the Association "Franco-Russian Dialogue" on behalf of the Russian delegation in Paris, reported the press-centre of Russian Railways.

The meeting was attended by prominent representatives from business and civil society in both countries.

"We view the Association not only, and not just as a business club, but also as an effective platform for developing cooperation across all key areas and aspects of life in our two countries. The key objectives of the "Franco-Russian Dialogue" are to create optimal conditions for a strategic partnership and for industrial, economic and cultural interaction between France and Russia," said the President of Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin.

The Association also aims to create promote a favourable climate for small and medium-sized enterprises and strengthen bilateral ties in science, culture, education, tourism and sport.

The "Franco-Russian Dialogue" was established in December 2004 in Paris by agreement of President Jacques Chirac of France and President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

According to the Company president, for its part Russian Railways is aiming to develop cooperation with French companies.

"In September 2010 a new rail route linked up Moscow and Nice. The demand for seats is high - at peak times it reaches 90%. So we have solid indications that there are strong prospects for joint projects with French railways. In particular, Russian Railways is getting ready to launch regular train services Moscow - Berlin - Paris," said Vladimir Yakunin.

Partnership with the French railway company SNCF also includes the exchange of experience in rail transport reform and advanced technologies in transport.

The various companies involved are implementing joint projects to sell tickets for SNCF trains and other European carriers such as Eurostar, Thalys, Elipsos, Artesia and Lyria at points of sale of Russia’s Federal Passenger Company, a subsidiary of Russian Railways. They are also cooperating in the modernisation of stations and staff training.

In addition, Russian Railways has a partnership agreement with Alstom Transport. The two companies are working on the Allegro high-speed train, which is already operating between St. Petersburg and Helsinki and provides fast and comfortable services between these two cities. Another project is the joint development of promising rolling stock, in which the company Transmashholding is also involved.