On 1st November, Fujian embraced a new friend from Russia in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Mr. Yu Weiguo, Secretary of CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Governor of Fujian Province, and Mr. Artur Parfyonchikov, Governor of the Republic of Karelia in Russia’s northwest signed an agreement to formally establish sister relationship between Fujian and Karelia. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev. 

The two sides had a cordial talk in the wake of the signing ceremony. Secretary Yu extended a warm welcome to Mr. Parfyonchikov and updated the delegation on the latest developments in Fujian. 

He noted that the recently concluded 19th CPC National Congress elected the new central leadership with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and showed the way ahead for our Party and country’s development. Mr. Parfyonchikov’s visit and the establishment of our partnership demonstrate the profound friendship between Chinese and Russian peoples. It is a concrete outcome of the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries during the BRICS Xiamen Summit. 

Yu pointed out that standing at the new starting point of the new era, Fujian is now moving forward at full throttle along the path mapped out by General Secretary Xi of building Fujian into a province with flexible mechanisms, competitive industries, a prosperous life and beautiful environment. There is enormous potential for cooperation in many sectors. It is hoped that the signing of the agreement will cement our friendship and strengthen our people-to-people exchanges. More fruits will be yielded through the implementation of our agreements and win-win cooperation in business, science and technology, education, tourism and other sectors. 

Mr. Parfyonchikov stated that there is a long-standing friendship between Russian and Chinese peoples. The establishment of the sister relationship translates the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries into practice and conforms to mutual interests. As one of the most dynamic provinces in China, Fujian boasts pleasant natural scenery, time-honored culture, and vibrant economic development. He hoped to achieve closer cooperation in business, investment and people-to-people and cultural exchanges and maintain effective and long-term contact to shore up the friendly relations. 

After the meeting, Secretary Yu and Governor Pafyonchikov witnessed the signing of cooperative agreements and letters of intent between enterprises and universities from two regions and attended Karelian Investment and Tourism Promotion. 

Mr. Liang Jianyong, member of the Standing Committee and Secreaty-General of CPC Fujian Provincial Committee and Vice Governor Li Dejin attended these events.