Source: CCTV.com

03-29-2009 10:11

Russian Language Year was formally launched in China on Friday. During a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, organizers announced the schedule for the year-long cultural exchange project.

Russian Language Year was formally launched in China on  Friday. During a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, organizers announced the schedule for the  year-long cultural exchange project.

The opening ceremony was attended by education ministers from China and Russia. The ministers read letters of congratulations from government heads of both countries.

In his letter, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao conveys his best wishes for the Russian Language Year in China, hailing the project as a significant step in promoting the strategic partnership between the two countries. Premier Wen also urged government agencies and educational institutions to get involved in the project. He said the project will help facilitate the exchange of personnel and promote understanding between China and Russia.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said in his letter that he believes the Russian Language Year will help deepen the friendship between the two peoples.

The Russian Language Year in China will include more than 260 activities, including a debate contest, an education forum, and the launch of a Russian-language TV channel by China Central Television.