Russian-German Forum Opens in Saint Petersburg

The latest session of the Russian-German forum Saint Petersburg Dialogue will take place in the northern capital on April 10-12. The theme of the meeting will be Russia and Germany in Europe. Topics to be discussed include NATO and EU expansion, international politics, Islam in Germany and Russia, anti-Semitism and also the commercialisation of modern culture. They will also discuss the role of the mass media in times of international conflict.

Apart from Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder the meeting will also feature French President Jacques Chirac.

The Saint Petersburg Dialogue forum was created on the initiative of the Russian and German leaders and regular meetings have been held in Russia and Germany alternately as a forum for politicians, business circles, cultural figures and youth associations. The aim of the forum is to further cooperation and understanding between the two countries in all areas of society and prevent any forms of prejudice.