Putin said the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum would focus on national economic interests and global management institutions. Expert discussions on a wide range of issues would also be held.
In his invitation to CIS heads Putin proposed resuming talks on a strategy for the alliance's economic development, humanitarian problems and other major issues, including arrangements for a regular meeting of the Council of CIS heads of state due in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, on September 26, 2008.
The last informal CIS meeting took place in Moscow on February 22.
Conducted under the auspices and with the participation of the Russian president, the St. Petersburg economic forum annually gathers world leaders to discuss important economic issues facing Russia and the international community.
Traditional participants include presidents, prime ministers, heads of government and ministers from a number of countries, as well as the international business elite, chief editors from the biggest global media publications and other news makers.
