The year of Russian language will debut in China on Friday as a way to mark the 60th anniversary of good diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The event will be celebrated throughout 2009. Many major schools will partake in activities both inside universities and across the nation, according to China's Ministry of Education (MOE).

Beijing Foreign Studies University for example, will hold a national online Russian essay writing competition, will show movies and host a cultural festival, said Li Yingnan, director of the university's Russian language center.

"Russian language majors will work as a main force for the event's enhancement across the nation," said Li.

China has about 90 colleges offering Russian language majors. More than 12,000 students are currently studying it, MOE statistics show.

"The event will greatly promote college students' passion for Russian language and the whole society's attention to it, Li said.

In addition, Russia has decided to stage the Year of Chinese Language next year, to further promote bilateral relations.

(Xinhua News Agency March 26, 2009)