MOSCOW, June 9. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited a multimedia exhibition at the All-Russian Exhibition Center, dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the birth of Peter I, the first Russian Emperor.

The exposition, dubbed ‘Peter the Great. The Birth of Empire,’ is designed in the form of an immersive biography performance. Ten key theme zones are established in 18 rooms, united by a common storyline based on the path of Russia’s development as determined by Peter I. These include the development of the country’s statehood, a new word in diplomacy, the creation of civil society, care for the people and their needs, scientific and educational reforms, innovative technologies and new skills, as well as culture and everyday life.

Putin said earlier that Peter I was "a prominent statesman and military leader," a patriot who had fully committed himself to serving his country. According to the head of state, Peter I’s ambitious reforms in state management, the economy, science, culture and education "helped strengthen Russia’s authority on the international stage and largely determined the country’s development as a strong and sovereign power for centuries to come."

In October 2018, the Russian president signed a decree about celebrating the 350th anniversary of the birth of Peter I this year. Peter I was Russia’s last tsar (1682-1721) and first emperor (1721-1725) under whose rule a regular army and navy were created in Russia, the city of St. Petersburg was founded, the country was proclaimed an empire and underwent major reforms. Peter I led Russian forces in the Azov campaigns, the Great Northern War, the Prut River and Persia campaigns.