Hu Jintao Praises Ties at Launch of “Russia Year” in China
Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Vladimir Putin have launched “Russia Year” in China at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. At the ceremony both leaders gave speeches praising bilateral ties. Hu Jintao said that the two countries’ launch of China- and Russia-themed years was an important step in strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation. The following is the text of Hu Jintao’s speech, which was broadcast live by Chinese state-owned international channels CCTV-4 and CCTV-9, as well as domestic channel CCTV-1 on 21 March
Respected President Putin, ladies and gentlemen, friends! Today is the beginning of spring in the Chinese lunar calendar. On this spring evening I am very happy, together with President Putin, for the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia in China. This is an auspicious day for the peoples of China and Russia. First, on behalf of the Chinese government and people I would like to extend a warm welcome to President Putin, the whole Russian delegation and all the Russian artists performing in the opening gala, and to extend my most sincere greetings to the great Russian people.
China and Russia are good neighbours and enjoy a long history of friendship. We, the people of the two countries, understand and support each other and enjoy a deep friendship. In particular, we can never forget that when the Chinese people were struggling against the Japanese invaders many sons and daughters of Russia also sacrificed their lives on Chinese soil. In particular we can not forget that at the outset of establishing a new China, the Russian people extended the hand of friendship to and gave all kinds of help to the Chinese people in national rebuilding. This kind of blood friendship is engraved in people’s hearts in both countries and has become a fountain of strength for the development of Sino-Russian ties.
Ten years ago, China and Russia decided to establish a strategic partnership based on their analysis of the two countries strategic needs and the international situation at the close of the cold war, opening a new page in the two countries’ relationship. For the past ten years we have, in the spirit of mutual respect, mutual benefit and close cooperation, signed the treaty of friendship and cooperation proposing eternal friendship. We have been working together to cooperate in international issues, bringing benefits to the people’s of the two countries and making an important contribution to international peace and stability.
China and Russia both have an ancient history and a great culture. Both are in the middle of the process of economic development and raising the living standards of their people and we both share the responsibilities of maintaining world peace and stability. Promoting the important responsibility of common development, and strengthening the exchanges and cooperation between the great peoples of the two countries, is conducive to strengthening our mutual understanding and traditional friendship, and to the comprehensive development of bilateral relations.
The China- and Russia- themed years are very important activities to strengthen our bilateral relations. The motive is to deepen our friendship and to cooperate more closely, to push forward the Sino- Russian strategic partnership and take a great step forwards. After tonight’s opening ceremony, cultural events will begin across the country with the support of the two countries’ governments and peoples. Russian Year in China will certainly be a huge success.
The great Russian author (?Tolstoy) has said ‘A friend is an eternal treasure’. Both President Putin and I agree that China and Russia must be good neighbours, good partners and good friends forever. Lets work together to push forward the development of bilateral relations, bring benefits to the people of both countries, and make a new and greater contribution to the cause of world peace and stability. Thank you!