The meeting is taking place as part of Russia’s programme during its presidency of the Council of Europe’s Council of Ministers.
The message of greetings reads in particular:
“The participants and guests at this meeting will be discussing the issue of preserving cultural diversity and unity between peoples, protecting sovereign rights and individual freedoms. The countries of Europe have built up a wealth of experience in resolving these very topical issues. Today it is especially important to draw on this experience and make use of the young generation’s creative and innovative potential.
I am sure that this meeting in St Petersburg will help expand contacts between young people in Russia and other European countries, strengthen friendly and informal ties, and be a source of positive impressions for everyone taking part.”