Children from China's earthquake-hit provinces and Russian students attend a welcome ceremony held at a rehab center in Vladivostok, Russia, July 18, 2008.
Zheng Xiaopeng salutes the audience after his report during the welcome ceremony in Vladivostok, Russia,?July 18, 2008.
A group of 184 students from earthquake-ravaged Sichuan province arrived in West Russia's Krasnodar region on Saturday for a three-week rehabilitation visit.
The students, along with 19 Chinese teachers, doctors and interpreters, flew to Krasnodar city, capital of the Krasnodar region, on two charter flights from Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu.
Chinese Ambassador to Russia Liu Guchang, Krasnodar regional governor Alexander Tkachyov and Russian student representatives greeted them at the airport. The students resided in a children's center in Tuapse city, on the coast of the Black Sea.
Liu said he appreciated Russia's considerate reception of the students. He said such actions would not only enhance friendship between the Chinese and Russian people but also be of profound significance in fostering friendship envoys between the two countries.
Tkachyov hoped the children will overcome the psychological trauma of the disaster through enjoying a period of relaxation and recreation in the Krasnodar region, which is home to hospitable citizens and scenery.
The children traveled to Russia at the invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who, during his visit to China in May, offered to host children from China's quake-affected areas.
Under the plan, a total of 1,570 Chinese children will visit Russia in 2008 and 2009.
(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2008)