It's basics first for Russian delegates

By Jan Corbett

Russia is a newcomer to Apec and to the intricacies of the public relations game.

Headquartered in a suitably spartan room at the Novotel Hotel, none of the delegates' assistants speaks enough English to answer the central question - what will the Russians be doing at Apec?

Yes, there is a printed meeting schedule, but not in English.

Nor do the Russians appear to carry cellphones, except for media adviser Boris Ivanov, whose satellite telephone is routed through Moscow. However, it's an American voice that tells him all the lines are busy.

Worse, in what could be a diplomatic incident in any other context, the area set aside for the Russian media pool has been invaded by the Japanese.

Finally, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov appears outside the town hall, on his way to meet Don McKinnon. Russian State Television and a Tass reporter appear too.

After some minutes of intense talking in Russian, the swarthy Mr Ivanov walks on, ignoring the voice of a local reporter calling after him, even though his English is reportedly good.

The Russian ambassador flanking him is far more obliging, hoping for a chance to correct the Russian experts already quoted - "They're not experts," he growls.

A suitable delegate is soon found to talk about Russia's first Apec foray.

Andrei Denisov, director of the Department of Economic Cooperation in Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explains how Russia is both a European country, and an Asian one. Although it has strong traditional links with Europe it now "has to be in the Asia-Pacific family."

In the past, its presence in the region has been militaristic, now it is looking for a political and economic presence.

"What we want to do is create a strong economic base in Asia. We hope Russia will be important to Asia and the Pacific."

Russia can provide raw materials, technological and industrial know-how. In return it wants to buy ready-made goods.

The Russian economy is recovering he says. "Economic results for the first half of the year are promising."

Does that mean Russia can pay for its imports?

But Mr Denisov cannot wait to be asked the question, or to answer exactly what Mr Ivanov will be talking to Mr McKinnon about.

He disappears with his Foreign Minister into the inner sanctum of the town hall.