Xi's message gives new impetus to deepening China-Russia people-to-people, cultural exchanges

A congratulatory messaged delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping to a major China-Russia cultural exchange event in Moscow has given new impetus to strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries, according to people from both sides.

The China-Russia people-to-people and cultural exchange event was held in Moscow on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1937-1945) and the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany (1941-1945).

President Xi arrived in the Russian capital on Wednesday to begin a four-day state visit to the country at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin, and on Friday, he attended a grand parade held in Moscow's Red Square which marked the 80th anniversary of victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.

Xi and Putin had each extended their congratulations to Wednesday's cultural exchange activity, with their messages being read out at the event which was co-hosted by China Media Group (CMG) and the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.

In his congratulatory letter, Xi emphasized that with joint efforts of both sides, China-Russia relations have demonstrated renewed vitality and forged a new model of major-country relations.

Officials from both sides who attended the event said that Xi's message has eloquently elaborated the significance of carrying forward the great friendship between the two sides and strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Russia's Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova pointed to cooperation in the creative media sector and said future co-production projects are being planned between the two sides.

"We have reached consensus with Chinese filmmakers on multiple cooperation projects, including history movies, children's animations and educational programs. The Russian Ministry of Culture will attach great importance to and promote these projects, and encourage Russian filmmakers to participate in such co-production projects," she said.

Meanwhile, Zhou Liqun, president of the Russian-China Chamber of Commerce, said he was inspired and encouraged by the exchange event which lays the foundation for future collaboration.

"It has aroused a widespread response and positive acclaim in all sectors of Russian society. We will take this event as an opportunity to make positive contributions to deepening the development of relations between the two countries and strengthening cooperation in the fields of people-to-people exchange, economy and trade, and culture," said Zhou.

Lisa, a local youth in Moscow, also highlighted the strong friendship between the two countries.

"This is President Xi's 11th visit to Russia. I feel very close to Chinese culture. I have been wanting to visit China for a long time to see what it feels like with my own heart, because this is the way to understand why the friendship between Russia and China continues to grow," she said.

Wang Bin, chief of the CMG's Eurasian Bureau, said Xi's remarks provide important guidance for the two nations to deepen their friendship and strengthen cooperation, and will help push the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era to greater heights.

"President Xi Jinping's congratulatory letter is the highest recognition of the achievements made by the CMG in promoting China-Russia friendship and deepening exchanges and cooperation. In accordance with what President Xi says in his congratulatory letter, the CMG will build bridges between the two countries through more wonderful media programs and launch more extensive exchanges and cooperation, so as to promote the deepening of the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era," said Wang.

Xi's message gives new impetus to deepening China-Russia people-to-people, cultural exchanges

Xi's message gives new impetus to deepening China-Russia people-to-people, cultural exchanges

Some Iranians in Türkiye are crossing back over the border, driven by worry and desperation, as a nationwide communications blackout in Iran has left them cut off from their loved ones.

Protests have erupted in many Iranian cities since Dec. 28. They initially began with Tehran bazaar merchants demonstrating against the sharp devaluation of the national currency rial, and soaring inflation, before spreading to other cities. The unrest has led to casualties among both security forces and civilians.

At the Turkish-Iranian border, many are returning with no certainty about what awaits them, filled instead with questions and growing fear for those on the other side of the border.

"I went to Van yesterday for internet. I urgently needed to use the internet. I got it done. Now I'm heading straight back. There are protests everywhere. We can't get any news. We can't communicate with our families. And it's not just me, there are many Iranians outside the country who can't reach their families," said Feriste, an Iranian citizen.

With communications blacked out across Iran, those outside the country feel powerless to check on the situation back home. For some, this silence has prompted them to return across the border, even as tensions continue to rise.

"We can't get any news. There is no internet. Everything is shut down. I want to search. I want to find out. I want to see my brother. I'm going to see my family," said Husnu, an Iranian citizen.

"I work in Türkiye, and I have no news from Iran at all. I'm going back because I'm worried about my family. It's been days since I last heard from them, and because I'm worried, I'm returning to Iran now. Of course, we are concerned about our safety. We don't know what awaits us there," said another Iranian.

With protests escalating and government blackouts still in place, many Iranians are caught between staying in safety abroad and risking everything to reconnect with their families.

"We had to come to Türkiye because we couldn't reach our families. Schools were closed already. All official institutions were shut down. We have no information about other cities either, because there is no communication network there. There is no television, no internet. We can't even check Twitter," said Nazlican, another Iranian citizen.

Iranians in Türkiye return home, fearing for their families amid unrest in Iran