China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

The China-Brazil relationship is now at its best in history, said Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday when jointly meeting the press with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after their talks at the Alvorada Palace, the official residence of the Brazilian president, in Brasilia.

"It has been five years since I last set foot on this 'land of love and hope.' Before departure from China, I received letters from friends across sectors of Brazilian society. I was deeply touched to see how the Brazilian people value and hope for a deeper friendship with China. I've just had cordial, friendly and fruitful talks with President Lula. We took stock of the past 50 years of China-Brazil relations, and agreed that the relationship is at its best period in history, is growing stronger in global, strategic and long-term significance, and has become an exemplar of common progress, solidarity and cooperation between major developing countries," Xi said.

Xi is on a state visit to Brazil after attending the 19th G20 Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

China-Brazil relationship at its best in history: Xi

Cultural exchanges are playing a key role in strengthening relations between China and Russia, from joint art exhibitions to restaurants offering Chinese diners with authentic Russian cuisine all helping to grow neighborly bonds.

Ties between the two sides have been in the spotlight this week as Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up a two-day state visit to China on Wednesday, while this year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.

At an art space in downtown Shanghai, paintings from a Russian artist based in Nantong City of east China's Jiangsu Province are on show.

An Yike, director of the ANYUE Space, said the exhibition has been a great success, providing Chinese art enthusiasts with the opportunity to appreciate the creative works of Russian artists.

"The theme of our exhibition is 'A Journey from West to East'. Paintings here reflect the artist's observation of the world, showcasing the landscapes and regional impressions he has encountered. And through such cultural exchange between China and the West, I believe that Western artists can learn from the more profound, restrained, and delicate techniques found in Chinese art. At the same time, as Chinese artists, we can embrace the expressive and emotional openness seen in Western art. The different painting techniques of China and the West can merge together. Take this exhibition as example, you can see the Russian painter, his art incorporates many elements of Chinese painting. His work feels deeply rooted in the Chinese tradition, yet it comes from the brush of a Russian artist. This is the beauty of cultural exchange, art becomes more diverse, carries richer inner emotion, and fosters cross-border communication," said An.

Meanwhile, the universal language of food is also bringing the two cultures closer together.

A home-style Russian restaurant in Shanghai is serving up a host of delicious dishes which are delighting diners. The establishment's owner said food has the power to break down barriers and create connections between people.

"I really like Shanghai. And I always have a passion for cooking. So I thought that I can maybe start doing something towards in that direction here in Shanghai. We have big flow of like not only Russian speaking community, but also like, French, Italians, a lot of people were interested, but also like maybe Russian speaking friends were bringing their foreign friends to our parties to introduce Russian food. And also a lot of Chinese people as well. We can introduce our culture through food, which is not just eating. It's about the environment, it's about the drinking habits, the party habits. So I think it's great cultural exchange," said Evgeniya Boyar, owner of the 'Borsh and Kompot' eatery.

Food, art plays part as cultural exchanges forge stronger bonds between China, Russia