Exchange of experience on the translation of the European Convention on Human Rights into national systems is essential to preserve the integrity of a common legal order throughout Europe, said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland in a speech at an international conference in Saint Petersburg.

Addressing the participants of the event including the President of the Constitutional Court, the Russian Minister of Justice and the Vice-President of the Supreme Court, Thorbjørn Jagland highlighted the crucial role played by Russia in Europe and the need for direct dialogue on issues of common interest.

The common legal space anchored in the European Convention on Human Rights is an "unprecedented achievement," he added, but its effective implementation remains a constant challenge in all member states of the Council Europe, including Russia.

The conference was jointly organised by the Council of Europe and the Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation. During two days, leading experts of the member states of the Council of Europe have carried out exchange of experience on the effective implementation of the European Convention with judges, government officials and academics from Russia. The results of the discussions will guide all member states of the Council of Europe in the region.