The Russian capital hosted the 12th anniversary of the Chinese Cultural Centre and the awarding ceremony for the winners of the Grand Prix of the Ambassador’s “Contest of Russian Amateurs of Chinese Painting”. The event gathered representatives of government agencies, heads of museums, theatres, universities, Chinese organisations, as well as guests from different regions of Russia and media representatives. 

The programme of the celebration included speeches by officials, an exhibition of the best works of the contest participants, dance and musical numbers, and more.

Feng Litao, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and Director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, made a welcoming speech. He spoke about the activities of the institution, which organises courses in Chinese language, traditional painting, cooking, film screenings and other events, thanks to which Russians can get better acquainted with the unique culture of China. 

“This year, the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia was widely celebrated. Numerous events were organised as part of the cross cultural years, which undoubtedly left a bright mark in the history of cultural exchange between our countries,” the centre’s director stressed.

Zhang Wei, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, also noted the successful development of Russian-Chinese relations over the years. According to him, the ties between Moscow and Beijing are a model of cooperation between border states and a new type of interstate relations. 

In addition, Zhang Wei expressed his admiration for the creativity of Russian artists participating in the competition.

In turn, Olga Kazakova, Chairperson of the State Duma Committee on Culture, drew attention in her speech to the fact that more and more Russian schoolchildren are showing interest in learning Chinese, and expressed hope for further strengthening of ties between the countries. Galina Kulikova, First Deputy Chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association, added that culture is an important unifying factor for nations and noted that Chinese is already taught in more than a hundred schools in Moscow.

The ceremony was also attended by Vladimir Oshchepkov, Deputy Director of the First Asia Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Zhou Liqun, Chairman of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia, and Vasily Tsereteli, Vice-President of the Russian Academy of Arts. 

The Chinese Cultural Centre opened in Moscow in 2012, becoming the first in the Eurasian space. According to
CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS, the institution promotes the deepening of bilateral cooperation between China and Russia in the fields of culture, education, science and economy.

Photo: TV BRICS