Russian Ambassador in India Nikolay R. Kudasheva called on Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur at Vidhan Sabha here today.Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Russia and the State of Himachal Pradesh have several similarities, both topographically as well as culturally. He said that the Roerich Art Gallery established at Naggar in Kullu district by great Roerich was testimony to the fact of Indo-Russian friendship. He said that the meeting of the Roerich Trust would be held at the earliest so as to make it more vibrant. He said that the Russia and Himachal Pradesh could cooperate in various fields such as tourism, agriculture, disaster management etc.The Chief Minister said that there was also great scope for culture exchange between Russia and Himachal Pradesh. He said that the State Government was committed to ensure development of the Roerich Gallery at Kullu to make it the tourist destination of the State.Russian Ambassador in India Mr. Nikolay R. Kudasheva said that long term steps were required to protect the legacy of Roerich. He said that Russia was keen to cooperate with Himachal in cultural exchange, tourism and adventure sports.Spouse of the Ambassador Mrs Elena M. Kudasheva, Councilor Culture Ms. Nana Mgeladze and Mr Alexander Forsov also accompanied the Ambassador.Chief Secretary Shri Vineet Chawdhary, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Smt. Manisha Nanda, Secretary Art Language and Culture Dr. Purnina Chauhan, D.C. Kullu Shri Yunus and other officers were present on the occasion.