SARANSK, Russia, July 19 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Saransk, Russia, Thursday to attend a festival with the leaders of Finland and Hungary.
Putin, Finland President Tarja Halonen and Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany are taking part in the First International Festival of Finno-Ugrian peoples, Itar-Tass reported Thursday.
The three leaders are to speak at the opening ceremony of the festival before visiting a new Ice Palace and a folk exhibition at the center of the city. They are also expected to meet with the International Consultative Committee of the Finno-Ugrian peoples and the Association of the Finno-Ugrian peoples of Russia.
Putin also intends to have bilateral talks with the two heads of state during the conference, Itar-Tass said.
The festival aims to familiarize participants with the everyday lives and traditions of Finno-Ugrian peoples, including displays of folk costumes and visits to churches, schools and other cultural centers.
