The curtain is now going down on the Year of Russia.

The staging of the Year of Russia in China this year was decided upon by Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the former's Russia tour last year. The Year of China is slated to open in Russia next year, the two heads of state agreed. This exchange is a first in the history of China-Russia relations, designed to promote friendship, enhance mutual trust and spur co-operation.

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the China-Russia strategic partnership, President Putin made a state visit to China on March 21-22 this year. Russian singers and dancers put on a grand show at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, marking the opening of the Year of Russia in China.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov is scheduled to visit China today and tomorrow and have talks with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. This will be the 11th regular meeting between the Chinese and Russian premiers.

During Fradkov's visit, a joint communique is to be issued and a string of important co-operation documents signed. The two leaders will take stock of the Year of Russia's accomplishments and make arrangements for next year's Year of China in Russia.

In the meantime, a closing ceremony for the Year of Russia, a Russian national exhibition and investment-promoting activities are expected to be held.

All this shows that the Year of Russia is heading to a satisfactory end.

The Year of Russia has counted on the support of personnel from both sides, distributed across a wide social spectrum, from central authorities to localities, from officials to private citizens.

Virtually all senior Russian leaders have made tours to China, including the president, the prime minister, deputy prime ministers, speakers of both houses of the Russian Parliament and so on.

1

2

3

(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)