China and Russia on Friday jointly unveiled a special commemorative envelope, marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) as well as the establishment of their diplomatic ties.

A number of representatives from both sides attended the unveiling ceremony in Beijing, including Xu Jianguo, secretary-general of the China Foundation for Peace and Development (CFPD), and Irena Gavva, First Secretary of the Russian Embassy in China.

Xu delivered a speech, saying that "the envelope not only commemorates the establishment of China-Russia diplomatic ties, but also represents the local customs and cultural characteristics of the two countries."

Li Hui, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Russian Federation, sent a letter of congratulation to the CFPD and the event, noting that "the traditional friendship between the two peoples will be further strengthened, and the two countries' all-around exchanges and cooperation will be more fruitful."

The envelope was jointly designed by Chinese artist Xu Li, the party secretary and vice chairman of China Artists Association, and Russian artist Vera Lagutenkova, the secretary of Russia Artists Association and corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Arts.

Artist Xu has created an oil painting "Kremlin," the landmark of Russian capital Moscow for the stamp of the envelope, while Lagutenkova painted Tian'anmen, the landmark of Chinese capital Beijing.

The two artists have also jointly created a painting, which was used as the main design on the cover of the envelope. The painting has combined the Chinese and Russian cultural elements, which was seen as a witness of the friendship between the two countries.

The history of the friendship between the Chinese and the Russians has been remembered by both sides. The Soviet Union, which disintegrated into Russia and several other republic countries, recognized the PRC and established diplomatic relationship with it only one day after New China was founded.

A number of experts from the Soviet Union helped China to build its basis of industrialization in the early years.

While paying a visit to Russia in June, Chinese President Xi Jinping said this year is a historical moment for the two countries to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations.

President Xi said the two countries have formed a major-country relationship featuring the highest degree of mutual trust, coordination and strategic value. He said that the two countries have contributed to safeguarding international and regional security and stability as well.

The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination is now at its best in history, said Xi during the visit.