Chinese and Russian policemen gave a song and dance performance on Thursday evening, as a part the on-going "Year of Russia" in China.

Singers and dancers from the Ensemble of the Russian Interior Ministry and the chorus of Beijing policemen sang popular Chinese and Russian folk songs, winning warm applause from the audience.

The "Year of Russia," held in 2006 in China, is a cultural exchange program between China and Russia with more than 200 activities, which will attract political leaders, businessmen, scientists, artist and public of the two countries. The two sides will also hold the "Year of China" in Russia in 2007.

Russian Minister of Interior Rashid Nurgaliyev and Zhou Yongkang, Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security watched the performance.

Nurgaliyev is here to attend a meeting on law-enforcement between the Chinese Ministry of Public Security and the Russian Interior Ministry.

He also held talks with Zhou Yongkang on police cooperation between the two countries during his visit to China.

(Xinhua News Agency March 3, 2006)