Russian President's authorized representative to the North-Western Federal District read off Vladimir Putin's greetings to the conferees.
"Your international forum unites statesmen, businessmen and scientists to discuss key issues of Russia-EU legal and economic integration. Effective solution of these problems opens new possibilities to all Europeans to raise competitive ability of our economies and protect human rights and security on the continent. I expect the conference to make a real contribution into the development of Russia's many-sided dialogue with its European partners and to help practical implementation of programs and initiatives outlined at Russia-EU summits," reads Vladimir Putin's message.
St. Petersburg governor Valentina Matviyenko addressed the opening ceremony, congratulated the conferees and wished them success.
Finnish President Tarja Halonen's message was read out as well. She pointed out long-lasting cooperation between Russia and Finland and the necessity to develop such cooperation between Russia and the European Union.
The international conference "Russia-EU: prospects for economic and legal integration" is held at the State Palace of Congresses. Its purpose is to show European Union and Russia's readiness for the discussion of economic and legal integration aimed at economic growth, development of relations and provision of well-being and security in Europe.
The conference was initiated by the Russian and Finnish Justice Ministries and the European Communities Commission.
EU and Russian justice ministers, representative of the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Communities, the council of the Baltic Sea states and leading Russian and European businessmen participate in the conference.
