China and Russia start work on first cartoon coproduction

China and Russia launched their first coproduced cartoon series with a grand ceremony in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, on Tuesday.

Krosh and Panda will tell the story of two friends, a panda and a rabbit, and is being made jointly by Beijing’s CCTV Animation Inc and the Riki Group, which is based in St. Petersburg.

Vice-Premier Liu Yandong attended Tuesday’s ceremony along with 260 senior officials from China and Russia as well as local students.

The cartoon will highlight the unique cultures and customs of the two countries, and celebrate the kindness, courage and tolerance of its peoples, according to the production companies.

It is also expected to promote cultural exchanges, mutual understanding and friendship between the countries, as well as entertain children from both nations, they said.