BEIJING, Feb. 14 -- This year marks the "Year of Russia" in China and Russia will hold the "Year of China" in 2007. The activities will be of the largest scale ever held between the Chinese and Russian governments.

    Regarding this, Russian Ambassador to China Sergey Razov recently accepted an exclusive interview by People's Daily Overseas Edition.

    Reporter: China holds the "Year of Russia" in 2006 and Russia will hold the "Year of China" in 2007. What kinds of activities are to be held between the two sides in the areas of economy, culture and education? How is the preparation work proceeding and are there highlights to be expected?

    Ambassador: Leaders of the two countries proposed the idea of holding the "Year of Russia" in China and the "Year of China in Russia", primarily to expand exchange and deepen understanding between the two peoples. This is in accordance with the spirit and clauses of the Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation (we plan to celebrate this year the 5th anniversary of the signing of this treaty), as well as the treaty implementation outlines (2005-2008).

    We are experienced in this respect since we have held the "Year of Youth Friendship" in 2004, organized many times "Russian Cultural Week" and "Chinese Cultural Week". But such a large scale and long-lasting activity is unprecedented in the history of the two countries' relationship.

    China's "Year of Russia" and Russia's "Year of China" have their own features. First, it isn't a culture year. Activities in Russia involve various aspects such as politics, economy, culture, industry, scientific research and social life. Many people are expected to participate and most activities are geared toward ordinary people.

    An organizing committee has bee formed in Russia headed by First Vice Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, which has started operation. There is a counterpart committee in China headed by Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi.

    There are over 250 activities planned. The first month will see more than 20. China's "Year of Russia" will be opened in March when President Putin pays an official visit to China. Some large activities will also be held this year. For example, the Russian culture festival, Russian expo, exhibitions and promotions by different regions of Russia, investment week, large concerts, scientific and technological seminars, Russian painting exhibition, industrial design exhibition, book fair, sports contests, education exhibitions and road shows of various art troupes, etc.

    Reporter: What is the significance of the planned "Year of Russia" and "Year of China" for the development of China-Russia relations? How will the bilateral relations develop in the foreseeable future?

    Ambassador: Speaking of priorities and important tasks, I believe it is very important to further consolidate the Russia-China strategic partnership as well as to collaborate in various aspects and implement the significant agreements reached by leaders of the two countries. I believe China's "Year of Russia" and Russia's "Year of China" are bound to promote fulfillment of proposed tasks and can enhance mutual trust and collaboration.

    President Putin and President Hu singled out breakthrough in the development of the bilateral trade and economic relations as the most important task. Intensive and coordinated work with clear objective should be launched in the central governments and local governments as well as businesses in the two countries.

    The bilateral trade exceeded $29 billion in 2005, exhibiting a steady growth trend. The key is to improve the trade structure, including increasing high value-added products and hi-tech products.

    In short, I'm confident of good prospects of the bilateral relations. The Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation, signed in 2001, is effective for 20 years, which lays down a sound legal foundation for Russia-China partnership.

    The two countries will continue to hold frequent meetings and contacts between the top leaders, increase visits by delegations and see more opportunities of enhancing cooperation in energy, investment, scientific and technological exchange, education and tourism in 2006.

    Reporter: The Russian and Chinese peoples hold sincere friendly feelings toward each other. How will the cultural exchange be enhanced between young Chinese and Russians?

    Ambassador: The traditional friendship ties Chinese and Russian peoples together. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, a great many Chinese young people and experts studied in the former Soviet Union. Speaking objectively, the current political trust and mutual understanding between the two peoples exceed their knowledge of each other. The elder generation of Chinese is still quite familiar with Russia's cultural variety, its tradition and customs while the younger generation knows less about it. The mindset formed through decades of influence can be deep-rooted and it is the same with both Chinese and Russians.

    I have said the holding of the "Year of China" and the "Year of Russia" is to let our peoples, particularly the young, gain better knowledge of current Russia and China.

    Reporter: What part of Chinese culture do you think the Russian people are most interested in? Can you talk about your understanding of the Chinese culture?

    Ambassador: The Chinese culture is a very old one which is rich and colorful in a great variety of forms. Literature, painting, architecture, philosophy and unique handcrafts constitute the historical treasury of China. The Chinese culture is of great significance to human civilization with over ten cultural heritages entering the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    The Russian people have a thirst for knowledge and are willing to know all the new things. Russian Sinologists are among the world's most respected experts in Chinese studies because Russian scholars have known long time ago Chinese paintings, operas and the splendid Chinese literature. By the way, last year, the Oriental Studies Faculty of the St. Petersburg State University celebrated the 150th anniversary of its establishment. It is the first institute in Russia to teach the Chinese language. As you all know, as early as in the tsarist period, many palaces had China halls or were decorated with in-door Chinese objects.

    Chinese troupes have given successful performances in Russia and more and more Russian tourists have been to China. All these proved that the Russian people are very interested in Chinese culture and China. Chinese paintings, including traditional Chinese paintings, are very popular. Tickets to performances by Chinese martial art masters are always sold out quickly. And of course, no one can resist Chinese food and the unique exquisite dishes.

    (Source: People's Daily Online)