On May 19-20, 2016, IOM Director General, V.L. Swing visited St. Petersburg. The visit was dedicated to the 44th Plenary Session of the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member Nations.

In his welcoming speech to the delegates of the 44th meeting, V.L. Swing noted that with the current massive influx of migrants to Europe, the priority for European countries should be to save people's lives. William Swing also noted that under certain circumstances, migration can activate positive processes in society. Migration management issues should be approached responsibly and humanely. To better manage migration, it is necessary to support and strengthen the integration of migrants into host communities.

At the end of the Plenary Session, the IOM Director General met with the Chairman of the Federation Council, Chairman of the IPA CIS Council Valentina Matvienko. During the meeting, it was noted that the issue of international migration is now becoming increasingly acute and relevant.