"Moscow-Beijing Week" kicked off in Beijing yesterday, bringing with it many flavours of Russia's capital.

As part of the "Year of Russia in China" the week-long event is aiming to enhance mutual understanding and bring classical stage performances, scientific achievements and business delegations to Beijing, organizers said at a press conference yesterday.

"This is the largest ever exchange in cultural and economic ties between the two cities since the friendship-city relationship was established in 1995," said Zhao Huimin, deputy director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing.

Traditional Russian style singing and dancing shows by Russia's first-class performers will be given both in an opera house and the open air at the weekend.

The event was organized by the Foreign Affairs Office of Beijing, Beijing Municipal Government and counterparts from Moscow.

Some 249 delegates, led by Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, have arrived in Beijing for talks on trade, scientific research, education and healthcare.

On March 21 this year, when Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Beijing and inaugurated the "Year of Russia in China," Luzhkov met Beijing Mayor Wang Qishan and discussed "Moscow-Beijing Week."

"People from the two sides have seen growth in trade and economic co-operation in recent years and we hope it will go much deeper and wider, " said Isaev Alexander, press officer of the Embassy of the Russian Federation.

(China Daily 06/14/2006 page3)