Orlova concludes China visit

By Yuan Yue (China Daily Shaanxi Bureau)
Updated: 2009-11-02 13:16

A Russian women's delegation, led by Svetlana Orlova, Vice-Chairwoman of the Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of Russia, wrapped up her Chinese-Russian Women's Culture Week tour to China in Xi'an on October 31.

Orlova was greeted by Yuan Chunqing, Governor of Shaanxi province, when she arrived on Thursday afternoon.

"Women are indispensible in the development of our society," Yuan said in his welcome speech. "And China attaches great importance to their welfare. Women's Federations at all levels are playing their part in the protection of legitimate rights and interests of women and children, as well as in the promotion of women's statutes in society."

"China and Russia have long been good partners; I believe the Chinese-Russian Women's Culture Week will surely push our bilateral relation to a higher level," Yuan added.

The delegation paid a visit to the Terra-Cotta Warriors the next morning and said they were amazed at the achievements of the ancient Chinese people.

"How can this be the eighth wonder in the world?" Orlova said. "Surely it should rank the first!"

She also visited Xi'an International Studies University(XISU) and Hanfengtai Orchard that afternoon to visit with students and women entrepreneurs in Xi'an.

"I really appreciate that so many students are learning Russian in China," she told XISU officials. "I am looking forward to your visit to our country."

Chinese students were also moved by the enthusiasm of the senior Russian official as she sang a Russian folk song—"Moscow Nights"— upon leaving.

"I never thought she would sing with us so passionately," said a surprised XISU student.