国内英语新闻:Chinese state councilor visits Russia's Chinese language school

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong stopped by the St. Petersburg 652 primary and middle school on Sunday, speaking highly of the school 's efforts to promote Sino-Russian cultural exchange.

Liu appreciated the school's achievements in Chinese language teaching, as the school has been teaching Chinese as the first foreign language for 53 years.

Language is a bridge between different nations, Liu said. She hoped the students of the 652 school, after learning the Chinese language and culture, could serve as promoters and facilitators of the overall development of Sino-Russian relations.

Visiting Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong (R) receives a painting as a present drawn by a student of the No.652 School of Saint Petersburg, Russia, Nov. 21, 2010.

China and Russia as friendly neighbors have further strengthened their strategic partnership of coordination and promoted practical cooperation in all areas, Liu said.

People-to-people and cultural exchanges have flourished in recent years, as the two countries successfully held "State Years" and "Language Years" activities, she added.

Catherine Telyatnikova, the headmaster, said the 652 school is willing to devote itself to the promotion of Sino-Russian relations, and would like to expand cooperation on Chinese language teaching and staff training with the Chinese side.

Liu arrived in St. Petersburg on Nov. 20, kicking off her visit to Russia.