Public Remarks
Remarks at Signing Ceremony During Reception in Honor of U.S.-Russia Space Cooperation
William J. Burns, U.S. Ambassador to Russia
Moscow, Spaso House, October 03, 2007
Dr. Griffin, Mr. Perminov, ladies and gentlemen, good evening:I am very happy to welcome you to Spaso House tonight for a very special event. As part of the 200th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries – tonight we honor the unique role that space cooperation has played in this relationship.
From the historic achievement of "Sputnik," almost exactly 50 years ago, Russians and Americans have been the world's pioneers in space. First through competition and then through many years of cooperation, we have demonstrated the capacity of Russians and Americans to explore new frontiers.
It is a great honor for me, indeed a privilege, to see among our guests this evening's genuine heroes of the space program, such as Aleksey Leonov and Valeriy Kubasov. They, and all those who follow them, are a great source of pride for all of us.
And now it is also a great honor for me to invite Dr. Griffin and Mr. Perminov to sign two new cooperation agreements. After the signing, Mr. Perminov and Mr. Griffin will each make a few remarks, and then we will have a special message from the crew now on board the International Space Station.