Russian PM congratulates Chinese people on Spring Festival

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Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday extended his greetings to the Chinese people for the Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.

Medvedev visited the Chinese Embassy in Russia to mark the traditional festival with the Chinese staff. Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui warmly welcomed the Russian prime minister.

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui shakes hands with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at the ‍Chinese Embassy in Russia, Moscow, February 7, 2019. /Photo via the Chinese Embassy in Russia website.

Noting that the Spring Festival is the most important festival in China, Medvedev said the whole world is happy for the coming of this festival.

It not only proves the international influence of Chinese traditional culture but also proves that culture has no borders, he added.

The Russian prime minister emphasized that Russia and China have long maintained a tradition of friendship and current bilateral ties are at best in history.

The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination serves as a model of relations between countries, he said.

Medvedev recalled that the connotation of strategic cooperation between Russia and China has been enriched, the depth and breadth of pragmatic cooperation have been expanded, and the bilateral trade volume of more than 100 billion U.S. dollars is a good testimony.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev holds talks with Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui at the ‍Chinese Embassy in Russia, Moscow, February 7, 2019. /CCTV Photo

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China, which is a major event in bilateral relations between Russia and China, he noted.

Russia is ready to work hand-in-hand with China to push bilateral relations to a higher level and benefit both countries and their peoples, Medvedev said.

Li said according to the traditional customs of the Chinese people, family members, relatives and friends must celebrate the Spring Festival together.

He added Prime Minister Medvedev's visit to the Chinese Embassy in Russia vividly reflects the profound friendship between the two countries and the two peoples, and the high level and particularity of China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination.

Chinese Ambassador to Russia Li Hui welcomes Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at the ‍Chinese Embassy in Russia, Moscow, February 7, 2019. /Photo via the Chinese Embassy in Russia website.

The ambassador said Sino-Russian relations maintained a high level in 2018. The heads of state of the two countries met four times in the year and the premiers of the two countries successfully held the 23rd regular meeting.

The Year of China-Russia Local Cooperation and Exchange program was maintained in full swing and cultural exchanges were vigorously carried out, Li said, adding that both sides have made positive contributions to safeguarding global and regional security and stability.