From December 3rd to the 10th, 2006, AFPC was pleased to host the Washington visit of world-renowned Russian physicist and civil society advocate Evgeny Velikhov. Velikhov is a national figure in Russia, active in the fields of democracy, the environment and education.
In recognition of his efforts, Velikhov was recently appointed by President Putin to serve as the Secretary (Chairman) of the new Russian Public Chamber, an institution dedicated to merging Russia’s top academic and technical minds with the legislative process in Moscow. The new body, set up to advise the State Duma (national legislature), provides non-political technical expertise and advice on legislation and monitors the implementation of new laws. The Public Chamber analyzes issues and holds public hearings on topics ranging from health care and education to agriculture and tax policy.
During his visit, AFPC arranged an extensive schedule of meetings for Dr. Velikhov with top U.S. policymakers, both in Congress and in the Executive Branch. These included: Congressmen Jim Saxton and Robert Wexler; the Honorable Robert Joseph, Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security; Pentagon Defense Science Board Chairman William Schneider; National Security Council Senior Director for Russia Thomas Graham; as well as representatives from the Office of the Vice President and two U.S. Senatorial offices. Included in his itinerary were discussions with a number of America’s cultural and scientific leaders, in addition to members of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Library of Congress, and the National Science Foundation.
Velikhov’s visit was intended to promote greater cultural and scientific cooperation between Russia and the United States.