AFPC President Herman Pirchner traveled to Moscow in February 2007 to witness and briefly speak before a meeting of Russia’s Public Chamber. The Public Chamber is a new institution in Russia - a national body created by statue which advises the legislature (State Duma) and President on relevant legislation and monitors the implementation of new laws. The Chamber, whose members serve for unpaid, two-year terms, is composed of respected Russian professionals and academics with no ties to political parties.
While in Moscow, Herman also met with various Russian officials to discuss the full range of Russo-American relations which, while strained in many areas, still maintain a positive tone in nuclear issues and cooperation on anti-terror and anti-proliferation efforts.