Around 400 delegates are expected including representatives of 41 ethnic minorities representing around a quarter of a million people. 

Focus placed on the Far East of Russia, with duty-free zone, tax incentives, and lower costs for ships.

Moscow's top diplomat stresses importance of the country's Asian face.

An illegal fish processing plant was raided by police on Sakhalin Island, with 11 residents arrested.

Rescue effort underway to provide emergency feeding sites for the helpless animals, with the wild boar population also in trouble.

Key move to revive Far Eastern economy and compete with Macau and Busan.

Heavy snow falls in recent days cause mayhem in Russia's 'San Francisco'.

Altai route for gas to China could take priority, reported Reuters.

Another success in major operation to clamp down on illegal batches of luxury food during fishing season in Siberia.