Secessionist movement in California opens 'embassy' in Russia

A fringe political group that calls for California to become an independent nation has reportedly opened an 'embassy' in the Russian capital city of Moscow.

The movement seeks to have a "Calexit" break from the U.S. as it plans to hold a secessionist referendum in 2019, according to the Washington Times.

At a press conference on Sunday, Louis Marinelli, the president of the "Yes California Independence Campaign" said that the embassy will deal with cultural relations, tourism rather than "diplomatic issues," Russia Today reported.

For some liberal Californians incensed by Donald Trump's election to the presidency over Democrat Hillary Clinton, secession from the United States is the only way forward. Although observers say the Golden State has little to no chance to ever become a separate country, the idea is appealing for many who are disenchanted with the shock outcome of the vote and say they feel like strangers in a foreign land.

The election result marks a "real division" for California, said Kevin Klowden of the Milken Institute think tank.

"The presidential candidate who lost won California dramatically," Klowden said.

The state is known for its progressive politics on environment, gun laws and gay rights.

With a population of nearly 40 million, California is one of the most diverse states in America, with whites outnumbered by Hispanics and members of other ethnic groups. In 2015, it also had the sixth largest economy in the world, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ahead of France and India.