Official website of the President of Russia

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The message reads as follows:

“2005 was a year in which Russian-Chinese relations reached an unprecedented level. These relations were enriched by new initiatives and became a firm base for maintaining the long-term interests of our countries and people.

We shall focus joint efforts on expanding direct relations in trade, economic, scientific, technical, cultural and educational spheres. It is important that non-governmental organizations, business circles, and Russia and Chinese societies actively participate in this work along with governmental agencies.

The Action Plan to implement the Agreement on Good-neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation in 2005–2008 is being carried out successfully. For the first time in the history of our relations there is a blueprint for the complex nature of Russian-Chinese cooperation which occurs in many different areas.

Favourable conditions for further deepening our strategic partnership in the spirit of mutual respect and trust have been created. It is precisely these goals that the Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia will help accomplish.

I am convinced these large-scale events, unprecedented in the history of our relations, will become the core around which the whole range of Russian-Chinese interactions will be constructed.

Let me point out that preparation for the Year of Russia in China is responsible for a sincere and genuine interest in Russia and has occasioned the widest possible response among members of the public.

I have no doubt that 2006, the Year of Russia in China, will enable us to take an important step towards increasing Russian-Chinese cooperation. And the opening ceremony of the Year of Russia in China will be a real tribute to the friendship between two great peoples.

I thank you for your indefatigable work towards strengthening the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership and I wish all the citizens of China peace and prosperity.”