ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Nov.14 (Xinhua) -- The 8th edition of the Saint Petersburg International Cultural Forum opened on Thursday, with China being the guest country of honor at the three-day forum, which is themed "Cultural Codes in Globalizing World."
"In 2019 the forum will set some new records. The number of participants exceeds 35,000 and the venues of the forum will host more than 350 events. We have specialists from 96 countries joining us at the forum", Russian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets said at the opening ceremony.
She added that the forum has become an important event to provide impetus for the development of culture around the world.
"China is the guest country of honor at this year's forum, and I'm sure the forum will help deepen the mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the Chinese and Russian peoples," said Zhang Xu, Chinese vice minister of culture and tourism, who attended the opening ceremony.
Chinese artists from Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, National Theatre Company of China and Beijing Dance Academy will stage performances during the forum.
