Mintimer Shaimiev takes part in plenary session and solemn opening ceremony of the IV St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum

On December 14, Tatarstan State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev took part in a plenary session of the IV St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum devoted to the 70th anniversary of UNESCO.

The participants discussed the activities of UNESCO in the sphere of culture, education and science in Russia and worldwide. President Vladimir Putin, UNESCO Director-General Mrs. Irina Bokova and the President of the Union of Museums of Russia and director of the State Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky delivered their speeches at the session.

Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that the value of St. Petersburg - the city where the St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum is traditionally held - as the one of the jewels of the world cultural heritage is undeniable, but it is not only famous for its magnificent architecture and rich artistic heritage.

Later on the same day, the distinguished guests and participants of the forum, including the first president of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, went to Mariinsky theatre to take part in a solemn opening ceremony of the IV St. Petersburg International Cultural Forum.

The hand-over ceremony from the Year of Literature to the Year of Russian cinema with the participation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took place during the event.