The message reads, in part:
”Over the past several years, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum has cemented its reputation as an authoritative and highly respected discussion platform. Its far-reaching programme has regularly attracted heads of states and governments, business leaders from Russia and abroad, and leading experts. The debates at this event invariably focus on the most pressing issues facing Russia and the world.
This year, the Forum is dedicated to ‘Sustaining Confidence in a World Undergoing Transformation’ – a topic of vital importance. Indeed, in a world currently experiencing rapid geopolitical, technological, and structural change, this choice of theme is a particularly pertinent one. The international community is well placed to move forward and ensure continued global development merely by acting in concert, respecting mutual interests, and further consolidating constructive relationships which have become firmly established over several decades.
It is also apparent that sustained socio-economic growth, increased trade and investment, capitalizing on innovation, and creating new jobs for the modern era are only possible if business displays strong confidence in the market, government institutions, and the legal system. In order to achieve this, governments, international organizations, and business communities need to establish new and more effective forms of cooperation, and continue their joint search for ways to manage global processes and risks.
I have every confidence that the 18th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum will make a substantial contribution towards meeting these objectives, and will facilitate increased mutual trust and understanding. Russia is willing to develop relations with all of its partners across a range of areas, based on genuine equality and respect for each other’s interests.“