On Wednesday, the activities and events of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum commenced in the city of St. Petersburg, with participation from Arab countries, including Egypt, which is attending the event as a guest of honor. The forum is taking place this week in its twenty-fifth edition from June 15 to 18, attracting more than 13,500 participants from 141 regions and countries around the world.
The forum serves as an effective platform for exchanging views and experiences among policymakers, officials, and representatives from the business sector across various countries. The event is being held face-to-face while adhering to health safety regulations and utilizing modern digital technologies.
According to data from the organizing body, the "Russian Congress" Foundation, approximately 43 ministers from foreign countries, including from Arab nations such as Egypt, the UAE, and Syria, are participating in the event. Notably, Egypt is participating this year as a "guest of honor," and Yuri Ushakov, assistant to Russian President Vladimir Putin, indicated that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will address the general session of the forum via video link.
This year, the Egyptian delegation is headed by Minister of Trade and Industry Nevin Gamea and includes Egyptian officials and businessmen looking to strengthen trade relations with Russian companies. Other participating Arab countries include the UAE, headed by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, and Syria, represented by Minister of Economy Samer Khalil.
Regarding the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin this year, Ushakov noted that Putin will deliver a speech at the general session of the forum on Friday, alongside Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Ushakov stated that Putin's speech will focus on ensuring further economic development for Russia and is expected to address the Western sanctions imposed on Russia and their impact on the global economy.
Egypt's participation as a guest of honor follows Qatar's similar role in the 2021 edition of the forum, where it was represented by a large delegation of officials and businessmen. In 2021, the forum became the first and largest face-to-face business event in the world to be held after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, with over 13.5 thousand participants from 141 countries attending over four days.
