Attending the reception with the President of Russia were Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe with his wife, President of France Emmanuel Macron with his wife, and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde. The guests were welcomed by artistic director of the Mariinsky Theatre Valery Gergiev.
The 26th Stars of the White Nights International Music Festivalopened on May 23 and will run through July 29. Its programme includes over 200 shows and concerts.