Foreign and Military Affairs

Ambassador hails Russian sinologists' contribution

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-26 14:30

MOSCOW: Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui on Wednesday hailed the contribution made by Russia's sinologists to the development of China-Russia relations.

The Chinese embassy in Russia staged a reception on Wednesday evening to celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lantern Festival, which falls on February 28.

Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Denisov, Sergei Tikhvinsky, honorary chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association, Mikhail Titarenko, chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association, and leading Russian sinologists attended the reception.

While addressing the gathering, Li said China's diplomatic activity had been expanding since the founding of the People's Republic of China, particularly since China took the policy of reform and opening up three decades ago.

The international community had paid more attention to China, and the learning of the Chinese language had become increasingly popular across the globe, Li said.

About 230,000 foreign students from 189 countries and regions, including 9,000 Russians, were currently learning in China, he said.

The teaching of the Chinese language in Russia could be traced back to a century ago, he said, adding that many Russian sinologists had devoted themselves to developing bilateral relations, as well as promoting the cause of teaching and studying the Chinese language.

China successfully held the Year of Russian Language last year, and the Year of Chinese Language had kicked off in Russia this year, Li said.

He said the Year of Chinese Language, with its many events, would write a new page in China-Russia ties and elevate bilateral relations to a new high.

Denisov and Titarenko spoke highly of the achievements made in Russia-China relations in recent years.

The frequent high-level exchanges in 2009, joint celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Russia-China diplomatic relations and the success of the Year of Russian Language had played a key role in deepening bilateral relations, they said.

They said Russia-China relations would maintain sound development in 2010, and a series of grand events, including the Year of Chinese Language, would further boost bilateral ties.