From foreign countries to St. Petersburg

A YEAR OF RUSSIA IN NICE
St. Petersburg representatives are expected to go to Cote d'Azur

Mr. Jacques Peyrat,
the mayor

        - What is the main reason for the opening of a Year of Russia in Nice?
        - Russia contributed to Nice's transformation into a center of tourism. It was connected, in particular, with the Russian royal family having its winter holiday in Cote d'Azur. Nice wants to show its respect to your country by opening of the Year of Russia.
        - Do you have any personal ties with Russia and St. Petersburg?
        - As a member of Parliament I was among members of the French deputy delegation who visited Russia. In September 1997 I headed Nice's first official delegation to St. Petersburg as Nice's mayor.
        - What are the reasons for Nice's taking special interest in St. Petersburg?
        - In September 1997 I signed a Protocol of Friendship together with Mr. Vladimir Yakovlev, St. Petersburg's governor. That Protocol determined mutual relations between Nice and St. Petersburg. A Year of Russia will be an excellent proof of friendship between the two cities. It will add a cultural aspect to our mutually friendly relations. Besides, the future visit of the St. Petersburg governor to Nice will give us an opportunity to sign a Twinning Agreement.
        - What are the most important factors contributing to the strengthening of ties between Nice and St. Petersburg?
        - They are the Protocol of Friendship as well as the Year of Russia. They will significantly contribute to the strengthening of mutually friendly relations between the two cities. This year we are planning to carry out several programs. They refer to the development of photography, and they will also introduce our guests to our New-Year's village, international fair, and festival of military music. We shall also hold Women's Day dedicated to a famous Russian woman.
        - Are there any places in Nice that remind us of its old relations with St. Petersburg?
        - St. Petersburg was the tsarist Russian capital, and Nice received the Russian royal family for many years. For this reason we have many historical places that remind us of Russia. They are the lycee du Parc Imperial, le Boulevard Tzarevitch, l'Eglise Russe, le Chateau des Ollieres, and other places.
        - St. Petersburg will be 300 in 2003. Will Nice celebrate this date?
        - Nice is striving for the further development of friendly relations with St. Petersburg, so it will willingly support any St. Petersburg's project directed towards this development.

St. Petersburg - Nice