Consul General Tim Sandusky Visits Kurgan
During an official ceremony in Kurgan on April 28, Consul General Tim Sandusky transferred more than 4 million rubles worth of equipment supplied by the U.S. Government to the Kurgan Oblast branch of the Federal Narcotics Control Service (FSKN). This contribution represents a concrete example of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Russia working together to counter a critical global problem: narcotics trafficking. This contribution is part of a program of partnership between the U.S. and Russia to stop drug trafficking along Russia’s southern border. In conjunction with this effort, the U.S. has also provided equipment to FSKN units in Chelyabinsk and Omsk oblasts. The equipment includes two snowmobiles, two all-terrain vehicles, and computer and surveillance equipment that will be used to strengthen efforts to combat drug trade in the region.
A long-standing relationship between Kurgan and its American Sister City Appleton, Wisconsin, has created enduring ties through active “citizen diplomacy.” The Consul General dined with enthusiastic members of Kurgan’s Rotary Club, all of whom are alumni of U.S. exchange programs. Over the years, exchanges have occurred in the areas of culture, education, business, agriculture, environmental protection and law enforcement. Four years ago, on the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, veterans from Appleton exchanged experiences with veterans from Kurgan.
At his official meetings with Kurgan Oblast Governor Oleg Alekseyvich Bogomolov and Kurgan city Mayor Anatoliy Fedorovich Yelchaninov, the Consul General noted the importance of these relationships and was pleased to learn that both men had personal connections to these USG exchanges. The Consul General observed, “The dynamism of the relationship between Kurgan and Appleton is impressive. In Kurgan Oblast one finds a unique blend of tangible bi-lateral cooperation between our two countries and a growing reservoir of mutual understanding between our citizens through the direct exchange of opinions and experiences. It is clearly a two-way street that enriches both our nations.”