Saint Petersburg Governor Valentina Matvienko visited Russian-Armenian (Slavonic) State University in Yerevan September 14. It should be noted that Matvienko had arrived in Yerevan yesterday to take part in events marking the St. Petersburg Days within the Year of Russia in Armenia. After Ms. Matvienko's meeting with students and professors of the University, RAU rector Armen Darbinyan handed her Grigor Narekatsi's Book of Mournful Motets, specially produced to mark the 1000th anniversary of the edition. University students had prepared a cultural program in honor of the Saint Petersburg Governor. Addressing those present V. Matvienko pointed out the role of President Kocharian in securing high rate of economic growth. "A good prospect for cooperation is observed in the Russian-Armenian relations, specifically in banking and industry. The commodity turnover between St. Petersburg and Yerevan has increased 15% thus making $9 million," she stated. In her words there are over 100 enterprises with Russian capital in Armenia. At the same time businessmen making part of the delegation hold negotiations with their Armenian colleagues over development of cooperation and forming of joint ventures, the Saint Petersburg Governor said. It should be noted that during the years of V. Matvienko's tenure St. Petersburg budget increased from $2.5 billion to $5 billion, reported IA Regnum.