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| World leaders gather for St. Petersburg's 300th anniversary |
| CCTV.COM 2003-05-31 09:05:32 |
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 In Russia, the country's northern capital St. Petersburg is in festive mood. The city's streets and buildings are awash with colorful signs and flags to greet world leaders and swarms of tourists. Leaders of more than 40 countries, including Chinese President Hu Jintao, have been gathering in St. Petersburg to attend celebrations marking the city's 300th anniversary.
Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in St. Petersburg on Friday after his historic state visit to Russia and participation in the third summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member countries.
Russian President Vladimir Putin played host to the grand event, joining world leaders for a special anniversary service in St. Isaac's Cathedral.
The three days of meetings will be the first time that all the key players in the bitter debate over the US－led war in Iraq have met since the war began in March.
The guests include leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the United States. US President George W Bush is expected to arrive in the city later on Saturday. He will hold a separate summit with Putin on Sunday.
Leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States have also gathered in St Petersburg to mark the anniversary.
The celebrations can be described as the gathering of the century for the city of over 5 million residents who are happy to see a new St. Petersburg, which had been Russia's center of politics, economy and culture for more than 200 years.
In 1712, the city was designated as the Russian capital. It has since played a vital role in the country's development.
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Editor: Yang Feiyang CCTV.com
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