The Deputy Prime Minister’s working visit took place ahead of the official opening of the Year of Russia in the Netherlands and the Year of the Netherlands in Russia.

Mr Dvorkovich, who co-chairs the Russia-Netherlands Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, met with his Dutch counterpart, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen. The two ministers discussed bilateral economic cooperation and the activity of the commission. The commission includes four working groups: on energy, transport, healthcare and agriculture. Mr Dvorkovich and Ms Ploumen agreed to boost the activities of the working groups. The Dutch Minister also proposed establishing a fifth working group on innovation.

Mr Dvorkovich also held talks with Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Henk Kamp, Minister of Security and Justice Ivo Opstelten and Minister of Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans. He said that they discussed issues related to the Russia - Netherlands year of cultural exchange and the forthcoming visit by President Vladimir Putin in April.

During his trip, the Deputy Prime Minister attended the opening of the St Petersburg International Legal Forum’s field session, being held in the Hague and the roundtable discussion “Mediation in Cross-Border Disputes.” Mr Dvorkovich said that on January 1, 2011 Russia had joined the list of countries that have introduced mediation practices into their legal systems (the mediation law came into force).

“We will need to create favourbale conditions for the development and extension of high-quality mediation services and training of professional mediators. We are open to exchanging opinions and cooperating with our foreign colleagues. The Dutch are the leaders in the expansion of mediation services in Europe, so cooperation in this area is very important and beneficial,” Mr Dvorkovich said. “This conference is included in the official programme of the Russia - Netherlands Year, and I’m happy to be taking part in it as the head of the Russian side of the organising committee,” he said. He said that this is just the first event of the cultural exchange year and expressed confidence that after the year ends, cooperation between the two countries will keep developing.

The Deputy Prime Minister also visited the “Peter the Great” exhibition at the Hermitage Amsterdam. The official opening of the exhibition will take place in April. In addition, Mr Dvorkovich visited the Amsterdam ArenA stadium as part of the preparations for the 2018 FIFA Football Cup, which will be held in Russia.