Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during the opening ceremony of an exhibition that celebrates the upcoming 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia in Moscow, Russia, Sept. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
MOSCOW, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition on the history of Russian-Chinese interaction kicked off here Monday to celebrate the upcoming 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The exhibition, held under the auspices of the Russian Foreign Ministry, showcased copies of rare documents and photographs that captured some of the brightest moments in the common history of China and Russia.
"I am convinced that the exhibition will contribute to the preservation of the memory of the historical milestones of our common past and will become a notable event in a series of numerous celebrations dedicated to this date," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at the event's opening ceremony.
Recalling that the Soviet Union was the first in the world to recognize the PRC and provided it with assistance in creating the statehood, Lavrov hailed the solid friendship and close ties between the two countries.
In June, the Chinese and Russian heads of state jointly announced the upgrade of bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, which Lavrov said marks "an unprecedented level of cooperation."
"This means an even greater degree of mutual support in all areas," said the minister.
Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said 70 years of history has clearly showed that "China and Russia have always been, are and will be inseparable good neighbors and inseparable genuine partners."
Citing strong political mutual trust, deepening trade and economic cooperation, extensive people-to-people and sub-national exchanges as well as closer interaction on regional and international affairs, he said bilateral relations have been running at a high level and are now at the best period in history.
"Standing at a new historical starting point and facing new opportunities for development, we have every reason to be sure that Sino-Russian relations will certainly keep pace with the times" and embrace a more beautiful future, Zhang said.
Echoing Lavrov's and Zhang's remarks, Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association Ivan Melnikov also extended congratulations on the upcoming anniversary.
"It symbolizes the inextricable friendship between our peoples. It has passed the test of time and allowed us to bring our relations to the highest level," said Melnikov, also first deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma, or the lower house of parliament.
He pledged that the Russia-China Friendship Association will continue to push for closer ties and deeper friendship between the two countries.
"The highest level of Russian-Chinese relations entering a new era would not have been possible without the enormous creative potential that had been accumulated over the previous period," he said. "And our common task is to transfer these traditions to a new generation."
Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association Ivan Melnikov speaks during the opening ceremony of an exhibition that celebrates the upcoming 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia in Moscow, Russia, Sept. 30, 2019. (Xinhua/Bai Xueqi)
