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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attends a gala concert in St Petersburg of world opera stars devoted to the 50th anniversary of ties between the sister cities of St Petersburg and Dresden

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Addressing participants and guests of the gala concert, "A Bridge between Dresden and St Petersburg," Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said:

Dear friends,

We have gathered here to mark the 50th anniversary of a partnership, the establishment of St Petersburg and Dresden as sister cities. As we have just seen from this bright and colourful presentation, the relationship between these cities began much earlier than 1961. It was based on friendly contact between Peter the Great and Augustus II the Strong, the elector and later the king of the Saxon-Polish state. Catherine the Great began her collection in the Hermitage with paintings that she bought from Dresden.

Relations between Dresden and St Petersburg (Leningrad) have not stopped throughout the centuries. Our cities have been through all the ups and downs, as well as the most dramatic event of the 20th century – World War II. They sustained terrible destruction and losses, but recovered. Now they are forging ahead and looking towards the future.

We associate St Petersburg and Dresden with the arts, literature, science and education. Their current relationship is very diverse, embracing culture, education and healthcare, business and the most broad variety of aspects of city life.

I'd like to thank the governors and residents of both Dresden and St Petersburg for making such a large and positive contribution to the development of our interstate relations. I'd also like to thank the organisers of today's event for finding a way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of a special partnership between our two cities. At this gala concert, we'll listen to the music of our outstanding, brilliant composers. Tchaikovsky, Wagner, Straus and Mussorgsky – they are the national pride of the cultures of Germany and Russia. Here is further evidence of the importance of Dresden and St Petersburg to our countries and to world culture. I'd like to wish these wonderful cities prosperity, and well-being and happiness to their residents. Thank you very much!

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After the concert, Vladimir Putin presented one of the performers, renowned Russian singer Yelena Obraztsova, whose birthday was the day of the concert, with a Certificate of Honour on behalf of the Russian government.  He wished her a happy birthday and continued success in her career.