What is the St Petersburg forum, Putin’s economic outreach to the world?

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The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) began on Wednesday despite hours-long disruptions caused by a Ukrainian drone strike near energy facilities in and around the city. The forum, which attracts over 20,000 guests from more than 130 countries, is expected to last for three days.

According to Russian and Ukrainian authorities, the drone strikes occurred roughly 16km (10 miles) from the forum venue, temporarily disrupting operations at St Petersburg’s airport. However, the conference proceeded as planned.

The SPIEF has become a significant event in Russia’s international calendar, with attendance remaining strong despite the country’s diplomatic isolation in Europe and North America. The forum is now seen as an opportunity for Moscow to showcase its efforts to deepen ties with countries in the Global South.

The first SPIEF was held in June 1997, during a period of post-Soviet Russia’s search for foreign investment and integration into the global economy. Over nearly three decades, the event has evolved into one of Russia’s most prominent international gatherings.

This year’s sessions will cover topics such as energy markets, artificial intelligence, information warfare, and media influence. Notable attendees include an official US delegation, led by Rodney Mims Cook Jr., chairman of the US Commission of Fine Arts, who will participate in a session titled “Russia-USA: A Cultural Dialogue”.

Other expected attendees include Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and China’s Vice President Han Zheng. Saudi Arabia is this year’s guest country, with Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud in attendance.

The event also features a range of other notable figures, including former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, actor Steven Seagal, conservative US commentator Candace Owens, and far-right social media personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate.

Source: Al Jazeera