2008
Vladivostok Political Officer Visits Yakutsk
Vladivostok Political/Economic Officer Stephen Kovacsics paid a mid-winter visit to Yakutsk, Sakha Republic (Yakutia). Kovacsics met with several Republic officials to discuss economic and development plans for the area, including infrastructure development, possible areas of cooperation with United States businesses, and realization of the region's immense tourism potential. The December 16-18 visit also included visits to local businesses, cultural institutions, and the National Permafrost Research Institute. The negative 47C temperature during the visit highlighted the unique living conditions residents of the city — known as one of the coldest on earth — experience during the winter months.