Prime Minister Vladimir Putin addressed the audience at a gala concert on the 60th anniversary of Russian-Chinese diplomatic relations and the official closing of the Year of the Russian Language in China
Vladimir Putin's address:
Esteemed Mr Wen,
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
I want to begin with congratulating all our Chinese friends on the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, and wish all Chinese citizens and every Chinese family wellbeing and prosperity, and new breakthroughs on your country's road of progress, modernisation and development.
We are celebrating another red-letter day, the 60th establishment anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. The coincidence of the two jubilees is symbolic.
The Soviet Union was the first country in the world to recognise new China. That was on October 2, 1949, the day after the People's Republic of China was proclaimed. This recognition based on heartfelt sympathy to the great and fraternal Chinese nation, and sincere respect for its will and historic choice, its valiant struggle for sovereignty and national revival.
The friendship and solidarity act of sixty years ago largely determined further development of our interstate relations and eventually brought us to the highest level of all-round strategic partnership.
Symbolically, this is not only a jubilee year but the Year of the Russian Language in China. It has added many spectacular events, ideas and projects to the chronicle of our contacts. What matters most, it has brought the two nations even closer together, and strengthened the centuries-long traditions of cooperation which bring us together now.
Both the Russian and the Chinese cherish shared history, the lessons of the past, and the experience of mutual assistance. One of my colleagues has just mentioned a Chinese maxim on the reverential attitude to history. We will never forget how we fought the aggressor together during World War Two, and how closely and fruitfully we cooperated in the post-war years.
True, there were dramatic pages in the history of Russo-Chinese relations-but wisdom and responsibility have always taken the upper hand and allowed settle the most ticklish problems, avoid the deadlock of mutual alienation, and reach an accord to mutual benefit.
Chinese history is rich in glorious episodes. The experience of the turbulent 20th century says that whenever our two countries kept together, they achieved success and became all the stronger. They improved their international positions, and implemented the most daring joint projects to the benefit of the global political and economic climate.
Our nations have always felt mutual interest and realised that they are destined to be not mere neighbours but close partners learning from each other. It is no exaggeration to say that there is a magnetic attraction between the two mighty cultures and civilisations. This has been so for centuries.
Today, we base our cooperation on the tested principles of mutual confidence and respect, equal rights, and profound realisation of the unique part our countries are playing in the world, and of what they are doing to promote global stability and sustainable progress as permanent members of the UN Security Council and as major economic centres.
Our bilateral partnership in regional and global affairs is closer with every passing day as a major vehicle of the just and harmonious world order resting on multi-polarity and respect for each other's interests.
We and the Central Asian states have established an international entity of a new type-the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The SCO has proved its worth as an influential regional organisation, which is steadily enhancing its economic, social, cultural and other activities, and implements its potential to confront shared threats and challenges-separatism, terrorism and extremism.
Russian-Chinese business contacts are expanding. Ever new ambitious initiatives are enriching them. These contacts are a major impetus to the development of entire Eurasia. We are working together in the most diverse international structures and organisations. Russia, China, Brazil and India have established an alliance named BRIC after their names. We are taking part in the formation of a new financial and economic architecture.
Our scientific, cultural, educational and youth contacts, which are getting ever closer, have direct bearing on human capital and make it more competitive in the world.
It is hard to overestimate the significance of the Year of China in Russia and the Year of Russia in China. These national cultural events involved millions of Russian and Chinese people.
Many ideas advanced during those reciprocal Years received active public response, and are being elaborated on a regular footing now.
We used their priceless experience to full extent for the Year of the Russian Language in China, and are using it in preparations for the Year of the Chinese Language in Russia, which will begin in 2010.
The Year of the Russian Language in China saw more than 200 events in 22 Chinese regions and 26 cities. They involved school and university students, professors and researchers of both countries to demonstrate the Chinese community's growing interest in the Russian language and culture.
Our Chinese friends got a fine opportunity to extend their knowledge of Russian culture, read old and modern Russian literary classics, and better understand the Russian psyche and the problems and hopes of Russian people.
I thank all who have helped to organise the Year of the Russian Language in China, and make it a true friendship festival.
Though its official programme is closing today, I am sure that the mutual interest of our nations will never subside because it has no calendar limits.
I never doubt that the Year on the Chinese Language in Russia, which will start in several months, will be great success, too. I am sure it will further enhance Russian-Chinese understanding and friendship, and make an impetus to all-round bilateral partnership.
Russians will have an opportunity to increase their knowledge of millennia-old Chinese culture, history and literary traditions, and get closer acquaintance with contemporary China and the life of its people, who speak a renowned language.
Dear friends,
As I look back, I can say that Russian-Chinese relations have withstood the test of time, and are oriented on future creative work.
We are confident in each other, see that Russian and Chinese vital interests are closely interconnected, and realise that our partnership has excellent prospects.
By way of conclusion, I would like to quote Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu: "He who stands firm will not be knocked down. He who can find support will not be brought down." We have been supporting each other for centuries. I am confident that Russia and China can always count on each other's help and support.
I wish all citizens of our two countries every success, peace, weal and affluence.
Thank you.
