Mikhail Titarenko, chairman of the Russia-China Friendship
Association (RCFA), said that the mutual establishment of "Russia
year" in China and "China year" in Russia in 2006 and 2007 will
further bilateral ties and improve mutual understanding between the
two peoples.
Titarenko, who is also the head of the Russian Sciences
Academy's Far East Research Institute, made the remark in his talks
with Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for
Friendship with Foreign Countries in Harbin Thursday.
He said that the Russia-China strategic partnership and
bilateral cooperation are of vital importance to the maintenance of
world peace, adding that the two governments will launch various
academic, cultural and educational cooperation projects during the
"national year" period.
According to information from the RCFA, the projects will
include seminars on ecology and environmental protection, the
economy and culture, attended by experts and scholars from China
and Russia, in addition to several photo shows on China's
achievements.
Chinese and Russian literature, art and other cultural treasures
are very much appreciated by the two peoples, said Titarenko,
predicting that NGOs from the two countries will play a bigger role
in deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples.
(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2006)