Krasnodar Philharmonic of G.F. Ponomarenko hosts the opening of the Conference "Establishing contacts — initiating projects — building confidence: impetus for the development of the German-Russian ties". The international Forum is attended by politicians, public figures, Mayors of the sister cities of Russia and Germany. The Conference was welcomed by Mayor of Krasnodar.
"Today, in politically and economically difficult time, the peaceful and creative future of our common home Europe depends on sister city ties, on people's diplomacy, in other words — on us. I'm sure our voice will not be left without attention. Krasnodar citizens are proud that such a representative international event takes place in the capital of Kuban, and I, on behalf of all people living in the city, greet our guests," said Evgeny Pervyshov.
The opening ceremony of the Conference was attended by the Chairman of the German-Russian Forum Matthias Platzeck, the Executive Vice President of the International Association "Twin Cities" Sergey Paramonov, the Chairman of the West-East Federal Union of the German Societies Peter Franke, the President of the Union of Russian cities Stanislav Mosharov, the West-Eastern Meetings Foundation Chairman Helmut Domke, the First Mayor of the City of Karlsruhe Wolfram Jäger, the RF State Duma deputy Vladimir Evlanov, who was the Mayor of Krasnodar from 2004 to 2016, other officials and public figures.
Traditionally the Conference started with the national anthems of Russia and Germany played by performers of Krasnodar Philharmonic of G.F. Ponomarenko.
The Mayor of the city Evgeny Pervyshov emphasized that Krasnodar had picked up the torch of the Conference from its German sister city — Karlsruhe, with which the 25th anniversary of the establishment of sister city links is being celebrated this year.
"It is a matter of great pleasure that, in this important year for our cities, we welcome in Krasnodar numerous delegations from the cities of Russia and Germany to discuss together such important topics as inter-municipal links, economics, sports, education, youth policy, social issues, culture," underlined Evgeny Pervyshov.
The Mayor of the capital of Kuban expressed his hope that following the work of the Conference, the existing partnership between the Russian and German cities would become even stronger and more multifaceted and that new ones would be established.
"This Conference is attended by more than 500 representatives of Russia and Germany, and it should also be noted that there are 100 young participants of the Youth Forum, and this is a powerful force that should give new impetus to the development of relations between our countries and peoples. I'm sure we'll send a signal that brings the peoples together, and it will come from your southern city," said Matthias Platzeck.
The Conference participants were also addressed by other dignitaries. Then the musicians from Germany, Art Deco trio, took the scene.
The Russian-German Conference in Krasnodar will be a key event in the sphere of the Russian-German relations in 2017.
It is scheduled to be attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Vice Chancellor, the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Sigmar Gabriel, Governor of Kuban Veniamin Kondratiev, diplomatic representatives of other countries, the International Association "Twin Cities", delegations of 46 German and more than 90 Russian cities, including from central Russia, Urals and Siberia.
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