A 100-member delegation of Chinese youth left Saturday night for Russia for a weeklong visit.

Vice-Chairman Hu Wei of the All-China Youth Federation, the delegation leader, said that this is the largest exchange activity between Chinese and Russian youth over the past few years, with the aim of enhancing mutual understanding.

The event also commemorates the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia (then the Soviet Union) and the People's Republic of China, and the Sino-Russian youth friendship year.

Members of the delegation include entrepreneurs, athletes, actors, students and religious people.

Sources say that a 100-member Russian youth delegation will visit China in mid-October at the invitation of the All-China Youth Federation. 

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2004)