Spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry: The visa-free policy between Russia and China injects lasting impetus into the development of bilateral relations

Xinhua News Agency, Moscow, January 15 (Reporter Zhao Bing) - Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on the 15th that the visa-free policy between Russia and China has promoted the development of cross-border tourism between the two countries, which is conducive to further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between Russia and China and injecting lasting impetus into the development of bilateral relations.

Zakharova, when answering a question from a reporter from Xinhua News Agency at the regular press conference on the same day, said that with the implementation of the visa-free policy, cross-border tourism between Russia and China has developed steadily, and the number of tourists has increased significantly. Russia welcomes tourists from China and other countries to travel to Russia. Russia has complete travel reception conditions and is creating a comfortable tourism environment for foreign tourists, including continuously developing new tourist routes, developing related industries, and building modern infrastructure. Chinese citizens can inquire about practical information for traveling to Russia through the official website of the Russian embassy and consulate in China.

Zakharova stated that Russia and China possess abundant cultural and tourism resources. Travel can deepen the understanding of each other's culture and traditions between the two peoples, contribute to further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, consolidate traditional friendship, and inject lasting impetus into the development of Russia-China relations. "I have always eagerly looked forward to meeting my Chinese friends and welcome everyone to visit Russia," said Zakharova.

Zakharova pointed out that although the Russia-China Cultural Year activities have come to a successful conclusion, the numerous humanities cooperation projects that emerged from these activities continue to yield positive results, maintaining the positive momentum of cultural exchanges between the two countries. She stated that apart from the official exchange activities agreed upon at the governmental level, spontaneous cultural exchanges between the two countries have also flourished, becoming an important force in consolidating the humanities foundation of Russia-China relations.

She also introduced that in recent years, the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival has become an indispensable cultural landmark in Moscow, the capital of Russia, while the traditional Russian festival of Shrovetide has also received widespread attention and popularity in China. "We warmly welcome Chinese tourists to Russia, and also welcome Russian tourists to Moscow to participate in Chinese cultural-related activities," said Zakharova.