The 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) opened on Wednesday in St. Petersburg, Russia, bringing together about 20,000 representatives from political, business and academic circles from more than 100 countries and territories.
The four-day event, themed "Pragmatic Dialogue: The Path to a Stable Future," focuses on fostering new models of global development amid ongoing transformations in the world economy, according to organizers.
The forum features seven thematic tracks and more than 170 dialogues, speeches and discussion sessions. More than 300 business events are also scheduled, including closed-door consultations, thematic roundtables and business breakfasts.
Multiple cultural events will also be held within the framework of the forum. Olga Galaktionova, director of the State Tretyakov Gallery, said after Russia and China implemented mutual visa exemption policies, the gallery has been welcoming a growing number of Chinese visitors.
"For international visitors, we now offer audio guides not only in English but also in Chinese, which has become extremely popular. Our data showed that the Chinese audio guide is sometimes even more welcomed than the Russian audio guide," said Galaktionova.
Launched in 1997, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has grown into one of Russia's most important international economic forums.
Russia's flagship economic forum opens in St. Petersburg
Russia and China's comprehensive strategic coordination has been and will continue to be crucial in maintaining global stability and improving global governance, said Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova at the ongoing 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Speaking at the China Media Group (CMG) studio on the sidelines of the forum, Makharova said that bilateral ties between Russia and China developed rapidly after the two countries signed the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation 25 years ago.
"Several weeks ago, the Russian president visited the capital of China and held talks with President Xi. We can say that the Treaty [of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between Russia and China] truly works. Entering the 21st century, our relations began to develop on a large scale, intensively, and productively, precisely on the basis of the Treaty. The two countries coordinate their positions both on international platforms and on key strategic issues that matter to both countries and the entire world. China and Russia undoubtedly put the national interests first. But at the same time, both countries understand that all of humanity faces a range of challenges -- challenges that all countries are confronting. And these challenges must be addressed and answered collectively by all nations," she said.
At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a state visit to China from May 19 to 20, during which the two leaders agreed to further extend the Treaty.
The 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum opened on Wednesday, bringing together about 20,000 representatives from political, business and academic circles from more than 100 countries and territories. The four-day event focuses on fostering new models of global development amid ongoing transformations in the world economy, according to organizers.
Russia-China strategic coordination vital for maintaining world stability: Russian spokeswoman
