Special Report: Year of China in Russia

Gu Xiulian (R), vice-chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China and president of the All-China Women's Federation, shakes hands with Svetlana Orlova, vice-chairwoman of the Federation Council of Russia in Moscow, capital of Russia, July 1, 2007. (Xinhua Photo)

     MOSCOW, July 2 (Xinhua) -- China and Russia can enhance exchange and cooperation between women in a bid to promote bilateral relations and stimulate substantial cooperation, said Gu Xiulian, president of the All-China Women's Federation, here on Monday.

    Gu, also vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislative body, made the remarks when meeting with Boris Gryzlov, chairman of the state Duma, lower house of Russia's parliament and First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev.

    She hailed the existing Chinese-Russian relations, featuring frequent exchange of high-level visits, supports to each other on key issues which concern sovereignty and territory integrity, enhanced political mutual-trust, expanding trade, economic and cultural cooperation.

    "The Year of China in Russia provided a good opportunity to further our friendly exchange and cooperation in various fields and we two countries can strengthen cooperation between the two legislatures and women as well," Gu said.

    Gryzlov and Medvedev, in their separate meetings with Gu, also spoke highly of Russian-Chinese ties, saying the fourth China-Russia Women's Culture Week, slated from July 2 to 8 in Moscow, will be a success and serve to promote understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

    In the evening, Gu and her Russian counterpart Svetlana Orlova watched a dancing-and-singing show by typical families from both China and Russia as part of the cultural week.

    The theme events will also include a forum between Chinese and Russian women, the second of its kind and an exhibition of folk handicrafts.

    At the forum, women of the two countries will exchange views on their family experiences, touching on topics of marriage, family education of the youth and life of the elder people.