Forty Chinese and Russian journalists set off from Beijing
yesterday on a 16,000-kilometer road trip to discover the bonds
between the two nations.
"This journey will be a long march carrying forward the
China-Russia friendship," State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said at the
starting ceremony.
The journalists represent major media organizations, including
China Radio International (CRI), which is organizing the activity,
China Central Television, Xinhua News Agency, Itar-Tass, Russian
First Channel, the Russian News and Information Agency and the
Voice of Russia.
Traveling in 13 off-road vehicles, they will pass through more
than 20 cities before finally reaching Red Square in Moscow in
about 45 days.
The journalists will file reports on the progress and changes
that Russia has experienced in recent years, and describe the
friendship between the two peoples.
"These reports will help deepen the mutual understanding between
the peoples, and contribute to the development of China-Russia
relations," Tang said.
An important part of the "Year of Russia in China," the press
mission is the first of its kind.
Russian Minister-Counselor in China Igor Morgulov said at the
starting ceremony, "This journey of friendship will help Chinese
people know more about Russia's development."
CRI President Wang Gengnian said the trip was also a journey of
discovery of present-day Russia.
(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2006)
