Russia’s second largest city St. Petersburg is now a very busy destination as the city hosts one of the worlds largest and important economic forums on 5–8 June.
“For more than a quarter of a century, the Forum has provided an opportunity for politicians, experts, business leaders, academics, and media professionals from around the world to hold in-depth discussions on key economic development trends in Russia and the world,” President Vladimir Putin of Russia said.
The theme of the current meeting, The Foundations of a Multipolar World – The Formation of New Areas of Growth.
More than 17,000 participants from 130 countries are expected at this forum just like last year where 900 agreements worth a total of RUB 3.860 billion were signed at the Forum (including 43 agreements with representatives of foreign companies, among them two with Italy and Spain. This figure only includes the agreements whose value is not a commercial secret).
Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold separate talks with several foreign leaders on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters, Putin will meet with his Zimbabwean counterpart Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday including, Bolivian President [Luis Arce] whose country is considering to join the BRICS bloc.
Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President Putin observed that at the forum opinions are exchanged and cooperation ties are established.
“The 2023 Forum clearly demonstrated that, despite the turbulence in the global economy, many countries are ready to build bridges of understanding and cooperation,” Kobyakov said.
At SPIEF, the Roscongress Foundation will talk about the development of Russian-African relations and the programme to promote multilateral formats of work on the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum.
“I am confident that the Forum will jump-start new and promising initiatives and projects, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries and peoples. I wish you success and all the best,” Putin said in his welcome message to participants.
