"Azerbaijan's consulate general will be opened in St. Petersburg because about 200,000 Azeris live in the city, according to official data. I discussed the consul's candidacy with Azerbaijan's President Ilkham Aliyev," Mrs. Matviyenko said.
The opening of Iran's consulate in St. Petersburg is currently being considered, she noted.
A consultative council for national issues and a working group for the tolerance program have been formed under St. Petersburg's government, she added.
"I believe that this is very important for St. Petersburg. Our city should live in peace and accord," the governor emphasized.
According to her, the Tree of Friendship sculpture created by a prominent Iranian artist will be unveiled in St. Petersburg.
This is an interesting sculpture featuring a tree with doves and symbolizing friendship of St. Petersburg and Esfahan (St. Petersburg's twin-city," Valentina Matviyenko said.
In her words, no room was found for the sculpture in the plane of the Russian delegation and it will be taken to St. Petersburg later.
"I believe this gift will be placed in one of our parks," she noted.
