Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov took part in the International Maritime Defence Show opening ceremony in St Petersburg.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Ivanov noted that "the show demonstrates the capabilities of the Russian defence industry, reaffirming and strengthening St Petersburg's authority as Russia's maritime capital".

"Despite the economic situation in this country and in the world in general, we hope that multi-million contracts will be signed," the Deputy Prime Minister stated.

Mr Ivanov toured the Maritime Show's exhibition, visited the British Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans and familiarised himself with the equipment and armament of the Russian corvette Steregushchy.