BRUSSELS, October 3 (RIA Novosti) - Russian President Vladimir Putin and King Albert II of Belgium helped open the "Europalia.Russia 2005" festival in Belgium Monday.

Russia is presenting its cultural treasures at the festival, from Swan Lake to 19th century Russian painting. A "Trans-Siberian Highway" exhibition will be dedicated to the traditions and ways of life of Russian peoples from the Baltic to the Pacific.

The program of the festival, which will continue for about six months, includes 150 events, including 20 exhibitions and performances from eight symphony and thirteen chamber orchestras. Ten Russian theaters will stage performances and a 100 Russian and Soviet films will be shown.