Mikhail Titarenko, chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Association (RCFA), said that the mutual establishment of "Russia year" in China and "China year" in Russia in 2006 and 2007 will further bilateral ties and improve mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Titarenko, who is also the head of the Russian Sciences Academy's Far East Research Institute, made the remark in his talks with Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries here Thursday.

He said that the Russia-China strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation are of vital importance to the maintenance of world peace, adding that the two governments will launch various academic, cultural and educational cooperation projects during the "national year" period.

According to information from the RCFA, the projects will include seminars on ecology and environmental protection, the economy and culture, attended by experts and scholars from China and Russia, in addition to several photo shows on China's achievements.

Chinese and Russian literature, art and other cultural treasures are very much appreciated by the two peoples, said Titarenko, predicting that NGOs from the two countries will play a bigger role in deepening mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Source: Xinhua