Xi and Putin salute opening of science and innovation year

President Xi Jinping called on Wednesday for all-around and multilevel communications and exchanges in a wide range of areas between scientists and the scientific sectors of China and Russia. He made the remark in a letter offering his congratulations on the opening of the China-Russia Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation. Xi said that China and Russia are major scientific and technological countries with significant influence, adding that the two major powers should follow the trend of the times and keep up with development so as to make greater contributions to advancing global governance system reform and building a community with a shared future for mankind. Xi said that China and Russia pulled together to provide support and assistance to each other as the novel coronavirus epidemic spread across the world. The event being held as scheduled despite the COVID-19 pandemic fully demonstrates the high-level and unique nature of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, he said. The president said that he believed that the two countries' successful practice of cooperation in the face of the pandemic will be transformed into a strong impetus for boosting bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his congratulatory letter that scientific and technological innovation is one of the most promising channels of cooperation between China and Russia. It is crucial for the two countries' development and also influences the improvement of people's livelihoods, he said. According to Putin, the Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation will cover activities such as scientific research, exhibitions and academic exchanges. He also highlighted the close cooperation between the two countries' governments as well as medical and scientific research departments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that a series of important outcomes has been achieved. Putin said he sincerely wished the event success, which will enrich the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era. Xi and Putin jointly decided to designate the "Year of Scientific and Technological Innovation" in both countries during Xi's visit to Russia last year. Previously, the two countries had held similar programs featuring languages, tourism, youth exchanges, media and subnational exchanges.