OREANDA-NEWS. March 27 2007 the opening of the exhibition with the theme “mutually advantageous cooperation and its harmonious development” coincides with the beginning of the Year of China in Russia, reported the Presidential website www.kremlin.ru. This motto summarises the spirit of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the best possible way, Vladimir Putin said at the opening ceremony. Vladimir Putin pointed out that China always has been and remains one of Russia’s most important economic partners. The head of state thinks that it will be extremely important and useful for Russians to become familiar with the best Chinese technological achievements.


Following the opening ceremony Vladimir Putin and Hu Jintao visited the exhibition. In particular, the two heads of state visited stands devoted to China,  and exhibitions on the possibilities available in science, innovation, information technologies, energy, industry and other sectors of China’s economy. After visiting the exhibition Vladimir Putin received the Shaolin monks in the Kremlin. The previous day the Shaolin monks had held a concert on the occasion of the opening of the Year of China in Russia. The Russian President recalled his visit to the Shaolin Monastery in 2006 over a cup of tea. The monks transmitted the monastery abbot’s greetings and best wishes to Vladimir Putin.