"I am very impressed by the China National Exhibition, which showcases so many world-class Chinese products. I hope China and Russia, which are two large neighbors, will further their bilateral partnership in the future. The good neighborliness will definitely bring benefits to peoples of the two nations."

 

Alexy Maslennikov

 

General Manager for Lenovo Russia

 

"Everyone in Russia knows the Year of China. It is a big event in Russia-China relations and it has received much media coverage. We hope to see more exchanges between Chinese and Russian business people so that we can achieve win-win results."

 

Alexy Davidovich Reznikov 

 

A Moscow businessman

 

"I studied Chinese at the University of Moscow for five years and then spent one year learning Chinese in Beijing. The increasing exchanges between China and Russia have brought more job opportunities to Chinese-speaking Russians. I have been very busy since last year because more and more Chinese entrepreneurs are coming to Russia to seek business opportunities. "

 

Irina Ivanova

 

A fluent Chinese speaker and tour guide

 

"The newspaper Beijing Daily said President Hu would visit Russia for the opening ceremony of the Year of China in Russia and there will be a lot of activities.

 

The Sino-Russian relationship is growing stronger since the adoption of the reform and opening-up policy, especially after the Shanghai Summit. I know we collaborate in the trade and gas fields. I'm very glad to see the change."

 

Liu Yaoping 

 

A janitor at Beijing's Huixinli Community

 

"My grandfather used to serve in the army and knew several Russians. He often talks about the country and the old times with his friends. Besides, my parents hold a strong interest in Russian music and movies.

 

The first ballet I saw was Swan Lake performed by the Russian Royal Ballet when I was 11 in my hometown Chengdu, (capital of Southwest China's Sichuan Province). It was so beautiful. Recently I fell in love with Vitas, a famous Russian singer."

 

Cui Jian

 

A student of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

 

"The Year of China is great! The two countries have cooperated for a long time. You will find many old buildings in Beijing which received help from the Soviet Union in their construction in the 1950s.

 

We have had a very close relationship since President Putin took office. I remember it has a title like "diplomatic cooperative partnership". I'm optimistic about our future together. "

 

A man surnamed Zhang

 

A driver

 

(China Daily March 27, 2007)