More than 40 Heads of States/Governments were invited by Vladimir Putin in May 2003 to:
A
Discuss the issues related to the rehabilitation of Iraq
B
Celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St Petersburg
C
Convene a meeting of European and CIS countries to discuss the issue of missile shield for European and CIS countries
D
Develop the strategies for containing global terrorism
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. The question refers to an event in May 2003 where Russian President Vladimir Putin invited more than 40 Heads of States/Governments.
2. The city of St Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, celebrated its 300th anniversary (tricentenary) in May 2003.
3. Russia hosted large-scale celebrations for this event, and President Putin invited numerous world leaders to attend the festivities and related summits held in St Petersburg during this period.
4. Therefore, the gathering of world leaders was primarily to celebrate the tricentenary of the city of St Petersburg.
5. While discussions on other issues like Iraq (A), missile defense (C), or terrorism (D) might have occurred on the sidelines or in associated meetings, the main occasion for the invitation and gathering was the anniversary celebration.