Mr Kellenberger will be seeking to enhance the ICRC's dialogue and cooperation with the Russian authorities on global, regional and bilateral issues of humanitarian concern. Discussions during the visit will include topics of particular concern to the ICRC, such as the whereabouts of persons who have gone missing in the northern Caucasus. The meetings will also serve to discuss ICRC activities in the Russian Federation, including the shift from emergency aid to recovery programmes in the northern Caucasus.

The ICRC's 2008 budget for Russia is close to 17 million dollars, of which almost 11 million will go for work in the northern Caucasus. The funds will be used for various programmes, including water and sanitation projects, mine awareness, promoting international humanitarian law, and support for micro-economic initiatives to help particularly vulnerable people become more financially independent.