The St. Petersburg Governor Met With The Chinese Foreign Minister Monday

The governor of St.Petersburg Vladimir Yakovlev met with the Chinese foreign minister Tang Jiaxuan Monday. As a RIA Novosti correspondent reports, the sides discussed prospects for Russian-Chinese cooperation, in particular China's investments in the economy of St. Petersburg, the development of contacts between St. Petersburg and Shanghai (which are twin-cities), cultural exchanges, and the Chinese side's participation in preparations for jubilee celebrations devoted to the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg. As Tang Jiaxuan noted, he regards his visit to Russia as preparations for the Russian-Chinese summit scheduled to be held this July. During the summit, the sides are planning to sign a Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation. The Chinese foreign minister noted that the respective protocol of intent had already been signed in Moscow. Tang Jiaxuan's Petersburg itinerary envisages his visit to the Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theatre.