At their third China-Russia sister city meeting delegates held
warm discussions on how to develop friendly relations. Some also
formally established new sister city links during the event.
Representatives from over 30 Chinese and Russian cities gathered
in Beijing on Tuesday to further cooperation and agree on the
promotion of multi-level exchanges.????
Chen Haosu, president of the Chinese People's Association for
Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), said that along with
the deepening of relations, examples of cooperation and exchange
between the two countries' cities are increasing.
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At present, 66 pairs of cities have been linked as sisters between
China and Russia. They co-work on various areas including the
economy, science, technology, culture and education.
???
Chen said the partnerships have played an active role in promoting
mutual understanding and extending bilateral cooperation. The
development of China's western region and rejuvenation of old
industrial bases in northeast China have also offered new
opportunities.
???
During Russian President Vladimir Putin's China visit earlier this
month, he co-chaired a symposium on the expansion of regional
cooperation with Chinese Vice-Premier Wu Yi. Russian ambassador to
China Igor Rogachev said that, during this visit, representatives
from more than 60 Russian localities had concrete exchanges with
Chinese regional officials, helping to consolidate work in many
fields.
???
The capitals, Beijing and Moscow, set up links in May 1995. Beijing
Vice-Mayor Zhang Mao said that since then, they have cooperated
extensively in many areas, even in bidding for the Olympics. His
Moscow counterpart M. Men said that partnership with Chinese cities
is a priority of Moscow's international exchanges.
???
The first and second China-Russia sister city meetings were held in
Moscow in 1997 and 2002.
(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2004)