27.05.2011
Sevastopol was visited by large delegation from France headed by ex-ambassador Mireille Musso. Although main subjects for discussion were relations with Russia, Turkey, Romania and EU, the guests' questions were mostly about Russia's Black Sea Fleet based in Sevastopol, reports New Region.
They asked the city's leadership about number of BSF servicemen, defense factories, amount of Russian residents, etc.
Answering questions of French visitors, Sevastopol Deputy Mayor Sergei Zhivoduyev emphasized that "Sevastopol is a city of two friendly fleets".
"Indeed, there were some military-related questions. I tried to give the conversation another turn talking about peaceful issues and friendly relations. You know, it is good to speak about navy when the topic is terrorism. But when the subject is international friendship, partners should talk about joint projects which could develop education, sports, drug control and so", commented the Ukrainian official.
"Sevastopol is truly historical city. Russians and the French had different contacts here, but finally all of them resulted in friendship", said Zhivoduyev in his greeting speech.
Recall that the joint Russian-Ukrainian naval exercise
Fairway of Peace-2011 started on May 23 in Crimea. Maneuvers were held till May 27 at sea ranges and ashore with combat assets of both fleets involved. The exercise was attended by 20 warships, 300 marines, aircrafts and helicopters.
