Russia on Wednesday kicked off a four-day international legal forum in its new judicial capital, which brought together hundreds of representatives from around the world.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev presided over the opening of the 3rd St. Petersburg International Legal Forum in the city's iconic Mariinsky Theater.

In his address, Medvedev spoke of the enormous challenges lying ahead for Russian legislators and legal minds both at home and in an increasingly multipolar international context.

"I can't say that everything we have tried has worked out 100 percent," Medvedev said. "But life itself will force us to improve our legal system."

Hundreds of representatives from justice ministries, university law faculties, international legal institutions and others from around the world participated in the forum, which was established in 2011 by the Russian Ministry of Justice and is supported by the President of the Russian Federation.

A delegation from the Chinese Ministry of Justice attended Wednesday's plenary session, after which delegation officials met with Medvedev to discuss bilateral and international issues.

The 2013 St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, which will be held until 18, was convened amid fresh efforts by the Russian government to boost St. Petersburg's status as the country's new judicial capital.

The Constitutional Court of Russia was moved from Moscow to St. Petersburg in 2009, with plans for more judicial functions to be transferred in the near future.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)