In an effort to determine the links between the two
countries,?40 journalists from China and Russia set off from
Beijing Tuesday on a 16,000-kilometer road journey to
Moscow.?
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"This journey will be a long march carrying forward the
China-Russia friendship," Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said
at the farewell ceremony.
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The journalists represent major media organizations including China
Radio International, China Central Television, Xinhua News Agency,
Itar-Tass, Russian First Channel, the Russian News and Information
Agency and the Voice of Russia.
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Traveling in 13 off-road vehicles, they'll pass through more than
20 cities before finally reaching Red Square in Moscow in
approximately 45 days.
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The journalists will file reports on their progress, the changes
Russia has experienced in recent years and describe the friendship
between the two countries.?
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"These reports will help deepen the mutual understanding between
the peoples and contribute to the development of China-Russia
relations," Tang said.
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This media adventure, an important element of the Year of Russia in
China, is the first of its kind.
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Russian Minister-Counsellor in China Igor Morgulov said at the
start ceremony, "This journey of friendship will help Chinese
people know more about Russia's development."
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Wang Gengnian, president of event organizer China Radio
International, said the trip was also a journey of discovery of
present-day Russia.
(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2006)