Chairman of the Russian part of the Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development Boris Titov met in Beijing with the Chairman of the Chinese part of the Committee, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC CPPCC Xia Baolong. During the meeting, the Committee leaders discussed the work plan and key events for 2023.
“Because of the coronavirus, we have been forced to communicate via video link this whole time,” Titov explained. “And the solemn event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Committee even had to be postponed.”
The parties agreed to hold the next plenary meeting in China in the fall. They have also drawn up a plan of joint events in the field of culture, sports, youth policy and the development of business contacts. The parties agreed to hold the fifth Russian-Chinese SME Forum (tentatively in China in Xi’an in September).
“The borders have recently opened, and we only see the hyperactivity of Russian companies who want to develop cooperation with Chinese partners,” Titov added. — It is time to replenish the number of councils of our Friendship, Peace and Cooperation Commission with a council for small and medium-sized enterprises. Its work will be actively supported by the business communities of both countries, since 90% of all requests for business cooperation that reach the Committee are requests from SMEs.
“We are also waiting for the restoration of tourist flows. In 2019, there were more Chinese tourists to Russia than from any other country: more than 1.5 million visits (in 2022 the figure fell to just 842 trips). For this, a full-fledged renewal of the agreement on visa-free group tourist travel is necessary,” said the chairman of the Russian part of the Committee.
Titov recalled that Russia and China announced 2022-2023 years of cooperation in the field of physical culture and sports. “Special attention should be paid to the theme of sports this year. Irina Viner-Usmanova, chairwoman of the Healthy Lifestyle Council, and her Chinese colleagues are planning to organize the third Moscow Confucius Cup festival, which will be held at the Palace of Gymnastics in Moscow. Additionally, the council is planning a full-scale martial arts festival. It will most likely take place in Henan province.
During the meeting, Boris with Titov and Xia Baulun also discussed the main issues of restoring Russian tourism to Hong Kong, which had already been raised during the meeting between Titov and the head of Hong Kong, Mr. John Lee the February 20. During its journey, questions have been raised about the intensification of direct flights between Russian cities and Hong Kong, including the Moscow-Hong Kong-Sanya (Hainan) circular route. “Before, there were two direct flights from Russia to Hong Kong a day, now there are none at all. I think we should think together how to solve this problem. And the circular route was very demanded by Russian tourists and businesses.
In addition, support for financial institutions that ensure trade relations between Russia and China was also discussed.
The Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development is an interstate non-governmental organization created by the leaders of the two countries in 1997. It brings together representatives of socio-political and business circles, heads of regions, cultural personalities, diplomats and journalists. It includes 16 councils, which are headed by well-known Chinese and Russian personalities – Fedor Bondarchuk, Irina Vinner, Dr. Roshal and others.
Read the Latest News about China-Russia Relation on The Eastern Herald.
