Sharif summoned to appear before Panama Papers probe panel on June 15

Islamabad, Jun 12 (PTI) Embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will become Pakistan's first sitting premier to depose before a Joint Investigation Team probing the high-profile Panamagate graft case when he appears before it on Thursday.

The unprecedented development will make Sharif the first incumbent to appear before such a panel, let alone one probing allegations of financial irregularities or fraud against nearly his entire family, going back three generations, Dawn newspaper reported.

Joint Investigation Team (JIT) chief Wajid Zia, in a letter dated Saturday, asked the prime minister to appear before the six-member probe team at 11:00 AM (11:30 IST) on June 15 with all documents relevant to the case.

The summon was issued to Sharif, 67, after he returned from his Kazakhstan visit where he attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

The JIT s summons also reminded Sharif to "kindly bring along relevant record/documents/material" related to the Panama Papers case. This will entail nearly all the documents and evidence submitted before the Supreme Court by the Prime Minister's counsel, Makhdoom Ali Khan.

The report also said that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar may also be questioned by the team before Sharif's appearance.

In its judgement of April 20 in the Panama Papers case, the Supreme Court had constituted a JIT and empowered it to summon the prime minister, his sons and any other person necessary, to investigate allegations of money-laundering, through which the four apartments in London's posh Park Lane area were purchased.

Sharif had met with his close aides yesterday in Lahore to discuss the issue. After consulting with them, the prime minister has decided to honour the summons and appear before the JIT on Thursday.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb, talking to some TV channels, said that the prime minister had received the JIT summons and in pursuance of the Supreme Court's order of April 20, he would ensure his presence accordingly.

The Joint Investigation Team had questioned Sharif's sons -- Hussain and Hasan -- last month over the family's alleged improper business dealings.

His eldest son Hussain was questioned five times while Hasan, the younger son, was summoned twice.

The court last year took up the case and issued a split decision over allegations of money laundering when Sharif was prime minister in 1990s.

On May 5, the Supreme Court set up a high-level six- member JIT to probe Sharif and his sons' alleged corruption in the Panama Papers case.

The JIT is bound to complete the probe in 60 days unless it is granted additional time.

It is for the first time that a sitting prime minister would appear before a high-level probe team traditionally constituted to investigate high-profile criminal cases.

It is not yet clear that Sharif will be questioned for once or would be called again like his two sons.

Trump intervenes in Gulf rift, pointing at Qatar over militant funding

U.S. President Donald Trump sits down to a meeting with of Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, including Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (R), during their summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 21, 2017. 

U.S. President Donald Trump, wading into the worst split between powerful Arab states in decades, said on Tuesday his trip to the Middle East was "already paying off" with leaders there taking a hard new line in accusing Qatar of funding of militant groups.

His blunt remarks cast the anti-Islamist speech he gave at a Riyadh summit in May as the inspiration for a decision by leading Arab powers to sever ties and transport links to Qatar in protest at what they say is its support for terrorism.

In fact, U.S. officials were blindsided by Saudi Arabia's decision to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar in a coordinated move with Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, current and former officials in Washington told Reuters.

"So good to see the Saudi Arabia visit with the King and 50 countries already paying off. They said they would take a hard line on funding extremism, and all reference was pointing to Qatar. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism!" Trump on Twitter.

The comments -- Trump's first about the rift between Qatar and major Arab nations over its alleged support of Iran and Islamist groups -- emerged at a delicate moment in the crisis as the leader of Kuwait was to meet in Saudi Arabia to try to mediate the dispute.

Qatar vehemently denies the accusations against it, calling them baseless. Ordinary Qataris, however, were to be found crowding into supermarkets to stock up on goods against the crisis.

Trump said, in apparent reference to top Gulf Arab powers Saudi Arabia and the UAE, that leaders he met on his trip had warned him Qatar was funding "radical ideology" after he had demanded they take action to stop financing militants.

It was not immediately clear what effect Trump's high profile intervention in the crisis would have.

U.S. officials had said on Monday that the United States would quietly try to calm the waters between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, arguing that the small Gulf state was too important to U.S. military and diplomatic interests to be isolated.

Qatar hosts 8,000 U.S. military personnel at al Udeid, the largest U.S. air base in the Middle East and a staging ground for U.S.-led strikes on the Islamic State militant group that has seized parts of Syria and Iraq.



There are also deep financial and business links between the two based on Qatar's leading world role in gas.

Deuba elected Nepal PM

Kathmandu, Jun 6 (PTI) Sher Bahadur Deuba, a veteran politician known for his close ties with India, was today overwhelmingly elected the prime minister of Nepal for the fourth time, taking over the reigns of the country at a time the Himalayan nation navigates through a political turmoil.

Deuba, the president of Nepal's oldest party, the Nepali Congress, was elected the 40th prime minister of the country's young democracy, following a voting in the parliament, during which he secured 388 votes out of a total of 558 votes cast.

He was the only contender in the election.

The 70-year-old succeeds Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who last month resigned to honour a power-sharing deal.

Deuba is likely to form a small Cabinet tomorrow which will be expanded in a few days and some of the Madhesi parties are also likely to join the coalition.

He takes over at a crucial time in the politics of Nepal, which is holding the first local-level polls in 20 years, but one that is being resisted by Madhesi people. The inhabitants of the southern Terai region who share cultural ties with Indians have been demanding more political representation.

Deuba, who was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University in 2016, is said to enjoy the confidence of prominent Indian leaders, and that could potentially aid him in arresting the growing disenchantment among the Madhesi community.

He played a key role in amending Nepal's new Constitution promulgated in September 2015 to address the demands of Madhes-based political parties. Deuba also played a key role in bringing the parties on board for the second phase of local-level elections, now scheduled for June 28.

Deuba, who has been elected to the parliament from far- western Dadeldhura district, has promised to amend the new Constitution to fulfil the demands of the Madhesi people.

During Deuba's previous term as prime minister in 1996, Nepal and India signed the historic Mahakali Treaty for shared utilisation of the waters of the river by the same name.

Deuba served as the prime minister from 1995 to 1997, from 2001 to 2002, and from 2004 to 2005.

Nepal's then king Gyanendra Shah took power through a coup detat in October 2002 and removed Deuba from the post.

But he had to restore him in 2004 after weeks of street protests. Deuba was again removed from power by the king in 2005, when he was also imprisoned on charges of corruption.

Addressing the parliament before the voting today, Deuba said he would accord priority to complete the local polls and conduct provincial and parliamentary elections by March next year.

He said he would also prioritise the amendment of the Constitution to address the demands of Madhesi people. "My other priorities will be economic reforms and rapid development of the country and for that I would focus on developing infrastructure such as electricity, transportation and irrigation," he said.

First Developmental Flight of India's GSLV Mk III Successfully launches GSAT-19 Satellite

Sriharikota - June 5, 2017 : The first developmental flight (GSLV MkIII-D1) of India's heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III was successfully conducted today (June 05, 2017) evening from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota with the launch of GSAT-19 satellite. This was the first orbital mission of GSLV MkIII which was mainly intended to evaluate the vehicle performance including that of its fully indigenous cryogenic upper stage during the flight. Weighing 3136 kg at lift-off, GSAT-19 is the heaviest satellite launched from the Indian soil. 

After a twenty five and a half hour smooth countdown, the mission began with the launch of the 640 ton GSLV Mk-III at 5:28 pm IST from the Second Launch Pad as scheduled with the ignition of its two S200 solid strap-on boosters. Following this, the major phases of the flight occurred as scheduled. The upper stage of GSLV MkIII vehicle is a new cryogenic stage (C25) indigenously configured, designed and realised by ISRO. The cryogenic stage used liquid Hydrogen and liquid Oxygen as propellants with a total loading of 28 tons. The stage is powered by a 20 ton thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) operating on ‘gas generator cycle’. The performance of the engine and stage during the mission was as predicted. About sixteen minutes after lift-off, GSAT-19 satellite was successfully placed in orbit. 

Soon after its separation from GSLV, the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan in Karnataka assumed control of the satellite. GSAT-19 is a high throughput communication satellite. 

In the coming days, GSAT-19 orbit will be raised from its present Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to the final circular Geostationary Orbit (GSO) by firing the satellite's Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) in stages. During the final phase of this operation, the solar panels and antenna reflectors of the satellite will be deployed. The satellite will be commissioned into service after its positioning in the designated slot in the GSO following in-orbit testing of its payloads. 

PM congratulates ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.

“Congratulations to the dedicated scientists of ISRO for the successful launch of GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission.

The GSLV – MKIII D1/GSAT-19 mission takes India closer to the next generation launch vehicle and satellite capability. The nation is proud,” the Prime Minister said.

US recognises India as major defence partner: Mattis

Washington, Jun 4 (PTI) The US recognises India as a major defence partner partly out of respect for New Delhi's indispensable role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region, Defence Secretary James Mattis has said.

The US is exploring new ways to address new challenges as well from maritime security to the growing threat posed by the spread of terrorism in Southeast Asia, Mattis said in his remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue.

"For example, we recognise India, the most populous democracy in the world, as a major defence partner. We did so in part out of respect for India's indispensable role in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region," he said according to a Defense Department transcripts.

Mattis called upon all countries to contribute sufficiently to their own security.

"At the same time, we encourage them to actively seek out opportunities and partnerships with other like-minded nations as we do the same to sustain and maintain the peace. We will continue to engage closely with our partners, building on recent progress," he said.

Mattis said one of the top priorities of the Defense Department is to empower countries in the region so they can be even stronger contributors to their own peace and stability.

"The Pacific region countries represented here are obviously critical to strengthening and transforming the underlying security structure that has enabled tremendous regional prosperity. For we don't take that peace or prosperity for granted," he said.

Six killed, 48 injured in terror attack in London

London, Jun 4 (PTI) Three knife-wielding attackers wearing fake suicide vests unleashed a terror rampage through central London, plowing a van into pedestrians on the iconic London Bridge and then running to a nearby market where they randomly stabbed multiple people, killing six and injuring 48.

The eight-minute-long terror attack at the two key London landmarks last night came just days before the general election on June 8. The three attackers were shot dead, police said.

The first incident was reported at the London Bridge when a van swerved off the road into a crowd of pedestrians.

A white van driver came speeding veered off the road into the crowds of people who were walking along the pavement, an eye-witness was quoted as saying by BBC.

Within minutes, there were reports of a second attack at Borough Market on the south bank of the Thames where three men wielding knives 10 inches long began attacking passersby, even entering one restaurant to attack night diners.

Six people were killed in the attack, and at least 48 were taken to hospital, the Metropolitan police said.

"We took 48 patients to five hospitals across London and treated a number of others at the scene for minor injuries," London Ambulance Service said in a statement.

"We declared a major incident and continue to work closely with other members of the emergency services at the scene," it said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The British Transport Police said one of its officers was seriously injured after being stabbed as he responded to the incident, but his condition was not said to be life- threatening.

The three assailants shot dead by police were wearing fake suicide vests, police said today.

"The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes," Britain's head of counter-terrorism Mark Rowley said.

A large area of central London remained cordoned off and police told people to avoid the area, leaving tourists and revellers struggling to get home.

Bursts of gunfire echoed through the streets - likely from armed police - and at least three blasts rang out as police performed controlled explosions.

Police also said that they were attending a third incident in the Vauxhall area, but later said it was not connected.

It was the third terror attack to strike the UK this year, after a man drove a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in March and the bomb attack on an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester two weeks ago.

Prime Minister Theresa May said that the "terrible incident" in London is being treated as a "potential act of terrorism".

The prime minister said: "Following updates from police and security officials, I can confirm that the terrible incident in London is being treated as a potential act of terrorism".

The Indian High Commission in London has set up a Public Response Unit for any Indians caught up in the attack.

"Any Indians injured/affected during the London Bridge 'major incident' and at Borough Market may reach off-office hours Public Response Unit. We shall endeavour to extend all possible assistance to all affected and to their families and friends in this difficult hour," an Indian High Commission statement said.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan called it "a deliberate and cowardly attack on innocent Londoners".

Jeremy Corbyn, the Opposition Labour leader, tweeted on Sunday night: "Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.

Thank you to the emergency services".

Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said: "Tonight's horrific incidents in London remind us how much we owe our emergency services. My thoughts and prayers with everyone affected".

Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish First Minister and SNP leader, wrote on Twitter: "Dreadful news from London. My thoughts are with all those affected.

The investigation into the latest attack is being led by the Met Police s Counter Terrorism Command and Britain's Special Air Service (SAS) officers have been deployed in central London.

The incidents, just four days before the general election on June 8, come less that two weeks after a suicide bomber targeted a Manchester concert on May 22, killing 22 victims.

On May 22, 22 people were killed and 116 injured in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena.

The attacker, identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, detonated a home-made bomb in the arena's foyer as crowds were leaving a performance by US singer Ariana Grande late in the evening. That terror attack stopped election campaigning for three days as troops were deployed to the streets and the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical", meaning an attack was "imminent".

On March 22, six people died, including the attacker, and at least 50 people were injured in an attack near the Houses of Parliament.

Attacker Khalid Masood first drove his car at pedestrians on the pavement on Westminster Bridge before crashing into a perimeter fence. Masood, armed with a knife, then left the vehicle and ran towards Parliament, where he was shot dead by police.

GST Rates: Biscuits to attract 18%; footwear 5% and Gold 3%

New Delhi, Jun 3 (PTI) The GST Council on Saturday decided to tax gold at 3 per cent, footwear below Rs 500 at 5 per cent and biscuits at 18 per cent under the Goods and Services Tax, which will be rolled out from July 1.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, at its 15th meeting also decided on rates of yarns, agriculture machinery, apparels and rough diamonds among others.

The council, Jaitey said, will again meet on June 11, before the roll out of the new indirect tax regime.

The all powerful council has also finalised the GST rules regarding transition and return filings.

Jaitley said the council was also apprised of the IT preparedness which is necessary for the successful roll out of the GST.

"GSTN made a detailed presentation on the amount of work done and IT preparedness," he told reporters after the meeting.

Jaitley said footwear costing below Rs 500 will be taxed at 5 per cent, while that above this amount will attract 18 per cent levy. Currently, footwear priced from Rs 500-1,000 attracts 6 per cent excise duty. Besides, states levy VAT on it.

As regards readymade garments, they will attract a levy of 12 per cent. Solar panels will be taxed at 5 per cent under GST.

Tendu leaves and bidis would be taxed at the rate of 18 per cent and 28 per cent respectively, the finance minister said, adding that there will be no cess on bidis.

On the other hand, rough diamonds will attract a levy of 0.25 per cent.

For footwear and textiles, Jaitley said that a major concession has been given and the items being used by the common man will be taxed at low rates.

The GST Council has already fitted over 1,200 goods and 500 services in the tax bracket of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent last month.

GST will subsume all major levies including excise, service tax and VAT, unifying 16 different taxes, and make India a single market.

India, France to jointly work on climate change, combating terrorism

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the President of France, Mr. Emmanuel Macron at the Joint Press Meet, in Paris on June 03, 2017.

Paris, Jun 3 (PTI) India and France today vowed to work together for the successful implementation of the landmark Paris climate agreement and fight the challenge posed by terrorism, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron here.

Modi said India was committed to "go above and beyond" the Paris deal to protect climate for future generations as he termed the UN-brokered agreement a shared legacy of the world, a day after the US president walked out of the accord.

Speaking after holding two hours of wide-ranging talks with Macron at the presidential Elysee Palace here, Modi said the Paris climate deal reflects "our duty towards protecting the mother Earth and our natural resources. For us, this (protection of environment) is an article of faith." 

"Paris climate agreement is a shared legacy of the world.

It will benefit the future generations as well," Modi said addressing a joint press event with Macron.

He said India is committed to the Paris accord, and "even beyond it, India will work and walk together with others to leave a gift for the future generations." 

"We have natural resources because our previous generations protected these resources. We must do the same for our future generations," Modi said.

Describing the city of Paris as an important part of his political journey, the prime minister said India and France had worked shoulder to shoulder for this agreement.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw from the Paris climate change deal on curbing carbon emissions, which had been agreed by more than 190 nations. Trump said the agreement unfairly benefited countries like India and China.

On his part, Macron said he wants to restate France's full commitment to the fight against climate warming.

The Paris agreement's central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping the global temperature rise in this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

The landmark agreement, which entered into force last November, calls on countries to combat climate change and to accelerate and intensify the actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future, and to adapt to the increasing impacts of climate change.

The two leaders voiced concern over the growing threat of terrorism worldwide.

"Terrorism is one of the biggest challenges the world is facing today," Prime Minister Modi said, adding that he and Macron discussed extensively on how to save the world from terrorism and radicalisation.

"We cannot see the danger of climate change but we can see the horrific effects of terrorism, we can feel it.

Innocent people, women, children lose their lives to terror.

Every child in France knows the face of terror," Modi said, referring to a series of terror attacks that rocked France in recent years claiming dozens of lives.

He said terrorism is visible and it affects entire world, including France and India. "World needs to unite to defeat the menace of terrorism," Modi said.

Macron said that the issues of tackling terrorism was discussed at length during his talks with Prime Minister Modi and France fully supports India's fight against terrorism.

"We are committed to work together in defence cooperation, maritime security and fighting terrorism on the internet. France will stand by India in the fight against terrorism," he said.

The two leaders agreed to fight terrorism in all its forms and to work on concrete plans to fight terrorism on the internet before the end of the year.

Modi said India and France enjoy deep-rooted ties and the two nations have been working together for a very long time, bilaterally and multilaterally.

"Be it trade and technology, innovation and investment, energy, education and enterprise, we want to give a boost to India-France ties," the prime minister said.

He also expressed interest in improving the cultural relations between India and France.

Modi said several Indians fought in the first two world wars for world peace. Macron thanked Indian soldiers for their sacrifices for France's freedom during World Wars.

Modi also invited the French president to visit India.

Macron accepted the invitation and said he will visit New Delhi by the end of the year for an international summit on solar power - an area on which France plans closer cooperation with India.

Earlier, Macron greeted Prime Minister Modi with a bear hug in the courtyard of the presidential Elysee Palace when he arrived for the meeting and working lunch.

The Prime Minister thanked President Macron for the warm welcome and congratulated him for the election victory.

39-year-old Macron created history last month by becoming the youngest president of France.

Modi said India is in favour of a united progressive European Union.

The prime minister also spoke of the service to humanity and human values that France-India relations have rendered successfully over the years. He expressed confidence that relations will go forward even faster.

France is India's 9th largest investment partner. France is also a key partner in India's development initiatives in areas like defence, space, nuclear and renewable energy, urban development and railways.

Paris or no Paris, India committed to climate protection: Modi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the first ever collective meeting with the Governors of 16 regions of Russia, in St. Petersburg on June 02, 2017.

St Petersburg (Russia), June 2 (PTI) India is committed to protecting the climate, irrespective of the Paris agreement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here today but avoided a direct reference to the US withdrawing from the international deal.

Addressing the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) here in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said India has traditionally been respecting the nature and desisted from exploiting it.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the plenary session of St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF2017), in St. Petersburg, Russia on June 02, 2017. The President of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries are also seen.

"Paris or no Paris, our commitment to preserving the climate is for the sake of future generations," Modi said while responding to a question about US President Donald Trump announcing withdrawal of the USA from the Climate Change deal.

He said he had made the same comment in Germany three days back when "nobody's comment had come", an apparent reference to Trump's announcement today.

"I said it in then, I say it now," he added.

Trump earlier in the day said the US was withdrawing from the Paris climate change deal, agreed by more than 190 nations. He said it unfairly benefited countries like India and China.

Asked by the moderator whether India would side with the US or others on the Paris climate change deal, Modi replied, "it is not a question of which way I go. I will go with the future generations."

He underlined, "we must leave for our future generations a climate wherein they can breathe clean air and have a healthy life."

Earlier, addressing the event, the prime minister said, "India is a responsible nation with regard to climate change...We can milk the nature... Exploitation of nature is not acceptable to us," he said.

He said India had been working to protect the environment even before the Paris deal reached in 2015.

"For the last 5000 years, even when I was not born, it has been the tradition in India to protect the environment," Modi said.

He recalled that when he was the chief minister of Gujarat before 2014, the state had created a separate department for environment protection.

PTI EXCLUSIVE: Russia's ties with India will not be diluted: Putin

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the President of Russian Federation, Mr. Vladimir Putin, at Konstantin Palace, in St. Petersburg, Russia on June 01, 2017.

St Petersburg (Russia), Jun 1 (PTI) President Vladimir Putin asserted on Thursday that Russia's "trust-based" relations with India -- which he described as one of its "closest friends" -- will not be diluted by Moscow's growing ties with Pakistan and other countries

During an interaction, Putin told PTI that there is no other country in the world that Russia has "deep cooperation" in delicate areas such as missiles, and it benefits from cooperation with India

But at the same time, Putin sidestepped a question on Kashmir, and said "it is up to you" to assess whether Pakistan is fuelling terrorism in the Indian state. "But no matter where the threat comes, it is unacceptable and we will always support India in its fight against terrorism," he added

Putin further said that just because Russia has a "special relationship" with India, it means India should be restricted in having contacts with other "partnering countries. This is ridiculous."

"We do not have any tight (military) relations with Pakistan. The US, do you have (close relations)?," he said, speaking through an interpreter. "And for sure our relations with Pakistan have no impact on trade between India and Russia."

Sitting around a rectangular table with a select group of global news agency editors, the 64-year-old Russian leader took questions one by one on subjects related not only of interest to the editors' countries but also of wider global concerns such as Syria, US President Donald Trump and the future of an emerging multi-polar world

"India is a huge country of more than 1 billion population. Russia is also a huge country. Both Russia and India have a lot of context and mutual interests. We are respectful toward all Indian interests," he said, citing the deep defence relations between the two countries

"I don't think we should push figures here in our military cooperation because it has an unprecedented level in its volume and quality. (But) there is no other country in the world that we have such deep cooperation in delicate areas such as missiles, and we benefit with cooperation with India

And this results from our trust-based relations with India," he said

He did not elaborate, but this was a clear reference to the Russia's long willingness to share high-end defence technology including missile technology with India, which most other countries restrict

On a question if Russia will use its influence to get Pakistan to stop terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, "We will always support India in its fight against terrorism

I believe Pakistan is taking immense steps to stabilise the situation in the country."

He noted that India and Russia, as part of their summit, are "having a frank dialogue on all these threats. India for us is one of our closest friends. We not only understand each other but also support each other."

The interaction was held at the Konstantin Palace, a sprawling complex of grand buildings filled with 18th century paintings, porcelain, lawns, waterways and pavilions overlooking the Gulf of Finland.