International exhibition Expotechnostrazh was visited by Colonel General Aleksei Bezzubikov, Deputy Director of the Federal National Guard Service of the Russian Federation - Commander-in-Chief of National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation; Aleksandr Beglov, Governor of St. Petersburg; Aleksandr Belsky, Chairman of St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly; and Mikhail Osyko, member of the board of the Military Industrial Commission of the Russian Federation.

Message of Russian President Vladimir Putin was read out at the ceremony: “The large-scale exposition of the exhibition introduces modern weapons, means of communication and special equipment, prospective information technology developments. It is a brilliant embodiment of Russian scientific and engineering thought. It is also a convincing demonstration of high technical level of equipment employed by our law enforcement agencies and special services and significant capabilities for protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens, interests of the state and society.”

Colonel General Aleksei Bezzubikov examined the current and emerging models of weapons, military equipment, protective equipment, communications and robotic systems during the exhibition tour. He expressed confidence that the exhibition will promote further development of the national defense industry and strengthen its scientific and technical potential and cooperation in Russia and beyond.

Deputy Director of the National Guard of Russia noted that during the exhibition, representatives of federal executive bodies, the defense industry and the scientific community will have a comprehensive discussion of the new challenges that have emerged as a result of unprecedented sanctions imposed on the Russian economy and develop further steps to stabilize it, including the performance of the existing obligations of industrial enterprises in terms of public procurement.

Aleksandr Beglov addressed the participants and visitors of the exhibition: “Our common goal today is import substitution in all industries of the economy and city services. I am sure that our industry will successfully address all challenges. We have always been able to cope with difficulties and challenges. Conducting an international exhibition is the result of our responsible, well-coordinated work. Our city is open for cooperation”. He said that St. Petersburg enterprises produce sophisticated equipment for the law enforcement agencies of the country in order to ensure protection of citizens. Universities are training specialists in information security. Scientific organizations and design bureaus are developing essential aerospace and defense technology.”

Aleksandr Belsky emphasized that St. Petersburg is the first city to hold an exhibition of this kind, and that it will be the place where new ideas will be born, contributing to the development of advanced security technologies.

Sergey Voronkov added that consolidation of the society is now more important than ever. As he informed, “Yesterday, on the first day of the exhibition, it had 2,000 visitors, and a total of 5,000 people who registered. 140 companies from 10 friendly nations take part. I am very pleased that such a large-scale, unprecedented event is held in EXPOFORUM Convention and Exhibition Center for the first time.”

A plenary session on the second day of the exhibition addressed current issues of participation of the National Guard of Russia in ensuring the security of individuals, society and the state