Gwen invited to visit Russia

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has been invited to Russia next month to attend an economic forum there and renew the sisterhood agreement between the Cebu Province and St. Petersburg.

The Russian government through the Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee wrote a letter of invitation to the governor for the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) set for June 5 to 8.

“The forum will provide multiple opportunities to exchange views and deliberate pathways to achieve the key economic and political objectives set by Russia and the global markets, discuss the key issues of socioeconomic development, the environment, healthcare, industry, construction, transport, culture, tourism, education, and science” read part of the letter to the governor.

Aside from the said forum, participants will attend the St. Petersburg seasons festival of culture featuring world-class performances.

Cebu Province and St. Petersburg are also set to renew sisterhood agreement next month after 15 years and Garcia also received a separate letter from the government of St. Petersburg to visit.

“In particular, we would be pleased to see you in St. Petersburg from 3 to 9 June 2024 to hold talks with the leadership of the Northern Capital and sign an updated cooperation agreement between our regions," read the formal invitation.

It was in 2009 when Cebu Province under Garcia’s first term in office established a relationship with St. Petersburg. But the agreement expired after five years. — (FREEMAN)