The Petersburg Dialogue Russian-German Public Forum was established by Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in 2001. It aims to promote cooperation between the countries, providing a platform for dialogue between politicians, businessmen, researchers and cultural figures.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his German counterpart held opening speeches at the annual Petersburg Dialogue Russian-German Public Forum in the German city of Petersberg near Bonn.
The ministers are expected to discuss the state of arms control, situation in Syria and other issues.