MOSCOW, September 27 (RIA Novosti) — Humanitarian cooperation between Russia and Ukraine is developing despite political differences and Rossotrudnichestvo plans to open branches in Kharkov, Dnipropestrovsk, Odessa and Lviv, Konstantin Kosachev, the head of Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian agency that promotes international assistance said during the 12th Annual Session of the Rhodes Forum, "Dialogue of Civilizations."
"Differences that exist between Ukraine and Russia at the political level, have not affected the sphere of humanitarian cooperation," said Kosachev.
According to Kosachev, Rossotrudnichestvo is fully operating in Kiev and Ukrainian interests in developing humanitarian ties with Russia, despite the current circumstances, continues to be pursued and is in fact on the rise.
Over time, Rossotrudnichestvo intends "to develop work in Kharkov and other major Ukrainian cities."
"We have planned to make a proposal to open analogous centers in Dnipropetrovsk, Odessa and Lviv. Let's see how the situation develops," Kosachev added.
Russia has spent some 330 million rubles this year on financing the work of its citizens and expects to spend some 30 million more in 2015.
"These resources are insufficient to solve the problems faced by our citizens abroad. This is why the issue of increased funding is regularly raised," said the head of Rossotrudnichestvo.
The 12th Session of the Rhodes Forum was opened in Melina Mercouri Theatre in Rhodes, Greece, and will be held from September 25 to September 29. The 12th session's official motto is "Preventing World War Through Global Solidarity: 100 Years on" and focuses on various ongoing conflicts in the world today. This year's Rhodes Forum includes discussions on the situation in Ukraine as well as the Western sanctions imposed on Russia for its involvement which Russia has repeatedly denied. The forum has been attended by some 450 people from over 60 countries.
