On the evening of March 26, 2007, the opening ceremony of the "Year of China" was held in the grand auditorium of the Kremlin. Chinese President Hu Jintao and Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the ceremony. The two heads of state agreed to take the opportunity of holding the "Year of Russia" and the "Year of China" to increase the mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries and their people, deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields, promote personnel contacts and inject new dynamism into the long-term, healthy and stable development of China-Russia strategic partnership.

Decorated with lanterns and festoons, the grand auditorium of the Kremlin was permeated with a joyful atmosphere. The cute Chinese panda which is the mascot of the "Year of China" and the Russian giant bear joining hands and the national flags of China and Russia linking with the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven and the St. Basil's Cathedral painted on the giant background of the rostrum symbolize that China and Russia are linked by common mountains and rivers and the two peoples enjoy a long history of friendship.

At 20:08 local time when Hu and Putin stepped in the auditorium enthusiastic applause burst out. The majestic national anthems of the two countries were played, marking the beginning of the opening ceremony.

Hu delivered a warm speech amid enthusiastic applause, saying that Russia is a great country and the Russian people are great people. In the long course of historical development the industrious, brave and ingenious Russian people create a glorious culture and write a history of fearless fighting, making great contributions to world civilization and human progress. The Chinese government and people sincerely hope to see a strong and prosperous Russia and greater achievements of national construction made by the Russian people.

Hu stressed that China and Russia are linked by common mountains and waters and the two peoples enjoy a long history of friendship. Since the two countries built the strategic partnership the bilateral relations have progressed dynamically and made remarkable achievements. It is the sincere wish and complies with the national interest of both that China and Russia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners forever. The more than 300 events during the "Year of Russia" held in China in 2006 have promoted the in-depth and comprehensive development of China-Russia relations.

Hu pointed out that this year during the "Year of China" in Russia nearly 200 events covering various aspects of politics, economy, science and technology, culture and education would be held. With those events, we hope to show the history, culture and the course of reform and opening up of China to the Russian people and make the peaceful thought of being friends from generation to generation deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples.

Hu emphasized that China expects to make joint efforts with Russia and take the opportunity of the "Year of China" and the "Year of Russia" to comprehensively implement the Treaty of Good-neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation between China and Russia, deepen the mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic partnership between the two countries, promote the common development and prosperity and push forward the building of a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity.

In his speech Putin extended sincere welcome to the audience present at the opening ceremony of the "Year of China" in Russia. It is a great event for both Russia and China because the two countries are not only good neighbors but also good partners. The history and culture of the two peoples demonstrate that the two great countries are deeply attracted by each other in terms of culture and spirit. Undoubtedly this year another glorious chapter will be added to the long history of bilateral relations.

He said that the purpose of holding such grand events in Russia and China is to further enhance their partnership. The large number of cultural activities and practical exchanges held between the two countries will enrich the social life of Russia and China, increase the mutually understanding of the two peoples and sustain the sound bilateral relationship.

He noted that today we open the prelude of the "Year of China" in Russia to jointly raise Russia-China strategic partnership to a new height.

The speeches of the two heads of state were received with hearty rounds of applause.

Following the opening ceremony, Hu and Putin, together with about 5,000 audiences from China and Russia as well as foreign diplomats in Russia, watched the performance of Chinese artists entitled The Symphony of Spring. The prelude Oriental Artistry composed of martial art and Peking opera displays the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture. The majestic piano concerto Yellow River played by Chinese pianist and the Russian Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra demonstrates the unyielding spirit of the Chinese nation. With plain yet beautiful melody, the Erhu music Moon Mirrored in Erquan Fountain describes the struggling against miserable fate and longing for a bright future. The Chinese and Russian songs sung by Chinese singers touchingly, the breathtaking yet graceful acrobatics Oriental Swan and Silk Rope Hanging Liang Zhu and the elegant dance Propitious Peacock and modern ballet are all marveled at by the audiences with rounds of enthusiastic applauses.

Vice Premier of the State Council Wu Yi and other officials were also present at the opening ceremony and watched the performance.

When President Hu visited Russia in July 2005 the two heads of state announced the decision of holding the "Year of Russia" in China in 2006 and the "Year of China" in Russia in 2007 to comprehensively push forward the bilateral strategic partnership.