The parties discussed the perspective directions of business and academic cooperation. Georgy Poltavchenko and Dirk Hilbert noted that cooperation can be mutually beneficial in such fields as bio- and nanotechnology and microelectronics, medicine and public health, medical tourism, creative industries, creation of tourist infrastructure.
The visit was organized to honor the 55th anniversary of the establishment of twin-city relations between the cities.
The visit program began with the laying of flowers to the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad.
On 6 September, the Governor of St. Petersburg G.S. Poltavchenko met the Mayor of Dresden Dirk Hilbert in Smolny.
The parties discussed the perspective directions of business and academic cooperation. Georgy Poltavchenko and Dirk Hilbert noted that cooperation can be mutually beneficial in such fields as bio- and nanotechnology and microelectronics, medicine and public health, medical tourism, creative industries, creation of tourist infrastructure. Georgy Poltavchenko stressed that Dresden experience in creating a "Smart city" system will be useful for St. Petersburg. The city plans to implement the pilot project first in Kronstadt, and then in other areas.
Georgy Poltavchenko supported Dirk Hilbert's proposal on the resumption of regular through service between St. Petersburg and Dresden. The Governor also approved the proposal to enhance the school exchange.
After the meeting, the investment climate and a package of investment proposals of St. Petersburg has been presented to Dresden delegation. Also, Dresden was presented as a popular European tourist destination. There were negotiations with the leadership of LLC "Northern Capital Gateway", JSC "Pulkovo Airport" concerning the possible resumption of direct flights between St. Petersburg and Dresden.
The delegation visited the secondary school No. 506 with in-depth study of German language in Kirovsky district, where the issue of the establishment of school exchanges was discussed.
The parties agreed on the following potential areas for further cooperation development between St. Petersburg and Dresden:
- public health, medicine and medical tourism,
- studying of the experience of the "smart city" project,
- traffic management and electric car industry,
- innovative industry, especially microelectronics,
- school exchanges, including study of experience in the development of educational programs and methods, additional education and education of children with disabilities,
- possible resumption of direct flights between St. Petersburg and Dresden,
- tourism,
- culture and creative industries.
On 6 September, 2016, the world-famous Dresdner Kreuzchor (choir), which celebrates the 800th anniversary of its artistic career this year, performed on the stage of St. Petersburg State Academic Capella. The concert was organized as a musical gift from the City Hall of Dresden to St Petersburg citizens to honor the anniversary of friendly relations.