Rostelecom’s delegation attended the Russian-Japanese economic forum, which was held in Tokyo on November 21-22, 2005 during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan.

At the Forum’s plenary meeting, General Director of Rostelecom Dmitry Yerokhin gave a report on cooperation prospects between Russia and Japan in implementing Europe-Asia transit (TEA) project offered by the Company. As Russia’s national long-distance telecommunications operator, Rostelecom has a unique transcontinental technical infrastructure to provide the shortest and most reliable route for considerable traffic transmission between the two regions.

The Company traditionally cooperates with Japanese operators and telecommunications equipment suppliers and always strives to develop business relationships. During the Forum, Rostelecom’s representatives negotiated with Japan Telecom and KDDI on organization of traffic transit from South-East Asia to Europe using the Company’s TEA services. There were also held talks with the management of NEC - one of the largest manufacturers of telecommunications equipment.

Rostelecom’s General Director Dmitry Yerokhin commented: “Our Company is a reliable partner for a number of the world’s largest international operators. To meet the market demand, we are constantly expanding and modernizing our nationwide network, introducing new services and developing international ties. Having successful experience of cooperation with Japanese telecommunications companies, we hope to enhance our effective partnership.”