Year of Chinese Language in Russia begins

The Year of Chinese Language in Russia kicked off on Tuesday. In the coming twelve months, a wide range of exchange activities covering various fields including culture, education, media and publication will be carried out in major cities in Russia.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (front R) and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (front L) shakes hands after the opening ceremony of the "Year of Chinese Language" in the Kremlin in Moscow, capital of Russia, March 23, 2010. Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin  attended the opening ceremony of the "Year of Chinese Language" here on Tuesday. (Xinhua photo)

Government officials from both China and Russia were in attendance at the grand opening show of the event.

87 cultural activities are slated for the coming twelve months, including cultural seminars, educational exhibitions, and Chinese language competitions for Russians. The event will also feature festivals for Chinese film, music and drama. A number of Russian colleges plan to establish a long-term relationship with their Chinese counterparts in cultural and academic exchanges during the year long event.