The Golden Galaxy Awards was instituted by the American-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ARCCI) to facilitate U.S.-Russian trade and investment and to recognize exceptional achievements in bilateral cooperation, technology transfer, the efficient use of natural resources and sustainable development.
Russian Ambassador Yury Ushakov told the audience of about 400 businessmen, congressmen, Russian politicians and public figures that the event was highly important for the development of long-term professional and personal contacts between the Russian and American business communities. He said he hoped the occasion would promote significant steps toward expanding the two countries' economic cooperation.
The 2005 Award winners included Citigroup Chairman Sanford I. Weill, Congressman Charles Taylor, the New York Stock Exchange, the Kennan Institute and Russian oil major LUKoil, among others.
