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Year of Russian Language kicks off in China

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-03-27 21:33

BEIJING - The opening ceremony for the "Year of Russian Language" was held here Friday night as China and Russia seek to boost cultural exchanges and bilateral ties.

Related readings:  Russia hails Russian Language Year in China  Language theme years to promote China-Russia cooperation

Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov attended the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

In the "Year of Russian Language", the two nations will hold more than 260 cultural exchange activities in 14 provinces, four autonomous regions and four municipalities in China.

The activities include language and singing contests, art performances, literature and arts exhibitions, education exchanges and the launch of a Russian language TV channel.