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"Year of Russia" in China Closes

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov attended the closing ceremony of the “Year of Russia” programme on November 9 in Beijing.

More than 200 activities were held during the celebration, which helped strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries and push forward the China-Russia strategic partnership.

China will work with Russia to achieve prosperity for both and to promote peace and development for the world, said Premier Wen.

Speaking at the event, Wen said holding such activities as the “Year of Russia in China” and the “Year of China in Russia” is of significance in Sino-Russian relations, because they reflect strategic and cooperative partnerships as well as the aspirations of the two peoples for long-lasting friendship.

More than 200 activities were held in China in 2006 to demonstrate the progress Russia had made in the different areas, which gave the Chinese people a better understanding of Russia, he said.

Wen said China will demonstrate its achievements in reform and opening-up to Russian people next year via the “Year of China in Russia.”

Fradkov said the “Year of Russia” had played an important role in advancing political contact and exchanges at the provincial levels and among the youth of the two countries.

“It has injected dynamics in the cooperation in all areas,” he said.

He vowed to hold a successful “Year of China” in Russia in the coming year.

Following the ceremony, the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra from Russia, together with Chinese musicians, entertained the audience.