Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the organisers, participants and guests of events held during the Year of the Russian Language in China
The greetings say, in part:
"The Russian and Chinese people are firmly linked by the traditional ties of friendship and neighbourliness. This year we will celebrate a major event, 60 years since the establishment of the People's Republic of China and the establishment of diplomatic relations between our states.
"We have covered a long road over these 60 years. Bilateral strategic partnership is developing successfully and has become a major factor of international stability and security. Russia highly values its political, trade, economic and cultural relations with China and is interested in promoting it.
"I believe that the Year of the Russian Language in China, to be followed by the Year of the Chinese Language in Russia, will help to strengthen our cooperation. It is a large-scale project involving state agencies, public organisations, companies and groups of performers aimed at increasing our knowledge of the culture and arts in Russia and China.
"Our Chinese friends will have an opportunity to become acquainted with the masterpieces of the Russian literature, and to improve their understanding of the Russian soul and Russians' concerns and aspirations. This will certainly promote rapprochement between Russia and China and strengthen mutual sympathies, friendship and cooperation.
"I wish happiness and success to the organisers, participants and guests of the events scheduled for the Year of the Russian Language in China, and prosperity and welfare to the friendly Chinese people."
