IRNA � The 22nd St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) started on Thursday in the Russian port city with Iranian representatives in attendance.

The theme of the three-day SPIEF meeting in which delegations from 140 world countries have taken part is �Creating an Economy of Trust.�

This year's SPIEF is to discuss important international social and economic challenges, the situation of the Middle East, the regional crises, the future of the world and the relations among countries.

On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg event, a world media forum with participation of prominent media leaders is to be held.

Managing Director of the Islamic Republic News Agency Zia Hashemi is the honorary guest at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2018.