Jilin showcases cultural attractions in Russia promotion

Jilin authorities are looking forward to enhancing practical cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with Russia, a senior official from the northeastern province said on Monday in Moscow.

Shi Yugang, the head of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Jilin Provincial Committee, said there had been much progress in the cooperation between Jilin and Russian local governments, as the neighboring country has become the biggest foreign investor in the province and its second largest source of visitors.

Shi made the remarks at the opening ceremony of a series of cultural promotion activities under the theme of "Cultural China, Charming Jilin".

The promotions for Jilin are scheduled to last three days, and include an exhibition celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Beijing and Moscow, a poetry reading by university students, a concert featuring a Chinese traditional string orchestra, and a photo exhibition highlighting Jilin's icy winter scenery.

Additionally, Jilin people steeped in other forms of the province's cultural heritage have been invited to Russia.

Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, said that after the establishment of the People's Republic of China Jilin became a base for heavy industry, including for automobile production, and then for film production.

The province has played an important role as a bridge between Russia and Northeastern Asia, with a large number of tourists crossing the border cities of Russia's Far East into Jilin every year, Zhang said.

The first deputy chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association, Galina Kulikova, said Jilin province is famous for the beautiful scenery of Changbai Mountain and the Songhua River.

"Jilin has abundant educational resources as there are over 60 universities in the province," Kulikova said, noting that Jilin University has enjoyed long-standing relations with the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Shi said the cultural and people-to-people exchanges across the border have been pushed by both sides, aided by the firmer bilateral relations between China and Russia and the Belt and Road Initiative, along with initiatives under the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.

Shi said Jilin culture week has been promoted in Russian cities, bolstered by programs from Jilin Radio being broadcast in Russia. The airing of Voice of Jilin radio programs has been proposed under a plan by the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation.

"We hope the Culture China, Charming Jilin activities can further strengthen the interactions between Jilin province and Russia in all aspects, thus deepening cooperation and boosting the mutual trust and understanding between Chinese and Russian people," Shi said.