China and Russia held a grand ceremony Tuesday in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing getting the Year of Russia in China off to a high profile start

Chinese President, Hu Jintao and Russian President, Vladimir Putin attended the ceremony accompanied by high-ranking officials from the two countries.

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Hu said the Year of Russia in China and the Year of China in Russia, scheduled for 2007, were major steps forward for the two countries and would deepen friendships, enhance cooperation in a number of areas and promote the China-Russian strategic partnership of cooperation.

"China and Russia are friendly neighbors connected by rivers and mountains and the friendship between us has a long history," Hu said.

The Chinese people would not forget Russia's help during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945), he noted. "Many courageous Russian people sacrificed their lives on the Chinese land to help," Hu observed.

Hu also expressed gratitude to Russia for its assistance to the People's Republic of China after it was founded in 1949.

"The friendship which was forged and consolidated with blood and sincerity is engraved deeply on the hearts of the two nations and has become a source of strength which boosts the development of bilateral ties," said Hu

Hu also hailed the 10-year-old China-Russia strategic partnership of cooperation saying that such a relationship had opened a new page in China-Russia relationships.

Hu and Putin announced the commencement of the Year of Russia in China from January 1 in 2006 when exchanging New Year's greetings. The two Presidents exchanged views on a number of occasions and organizing committees were set up in both countries.

China's organizing committee was established in November last year, with Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi as chairwoman and 10 task forces were established to move the plans forward.

"The Year of Russia in China includes more than 200 programs covering a range of activities such as industrial projects, research and exchanges," Putin said in his speech at the ceremony. He added that a key purpose of the events was to diversify bilateral trade and expand economic cooperation.

He said the Russian and Chinese governments, businesses, those involved in the arts as well as ordinary citizens had made great efforts to support the events. "A record number of people have pledged their support to implementing the events," said Putin.

He highlighted the Russian-Chinese ties saying the relationship was not only a key factor in maintaining stability in geopolitics but also a good example in exploring international cooperation.

"Our relationship is not about targeting any third country. It helps perfect world order." Putin said.

Prior to the ceremony Hu and Putin held hour-long talks. A total of 15 documents were signed following their discussions including three on energy cooperation.

The two countries also issued a joint statement pledging to tighten their ties by furthering cooperation in politics, energy and regional affairs.

Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday morning for a two-day state visit to China. On Thursday he is expected to meet with Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao.

(Xinhua News Agency March 22, 2006)