Author: Anatoly Kargapolov

Consul General of the Russian Federation in Hong Kong

Holiday That Brings Happiness Together

The Consulate General of the Russian Federation is delighted to join in the celebration of the 27th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. We are deeply impressed by the rapid resurgence of cultural life in the city followed by the COVID-19 pandemic. My compatriots who are planning to visit this vibrant metropolis would be eager to experience the festive atmosphere of the events commemorating Hong Kong’s return to the Motherland. I must note that Chinese holidays become increasingly popular in Russia, too. Interestingly, Moscow and other major Russian cities were adorned with beautiful red lanterns earlier this year to mark the Chinese New Year.

Less than a month ago, we have celebrated our National holiday — Russia Day, which marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of the State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic in 1990. This date has become a turning point in our nation’s history, ushering in fundamental political and economic transformations for our society. Today, it is a public holiday widely celebrated across our large country.

In Moscow, celebrations traditionally include concerts, folk festivals, themed performances, exhibitions and master classes. Sports competitions and programmes in parks are also very popular among people. The annual grand concert on Red Square remains a major attraction for tourists, with Russia’s most popular singers delivering a spectacular show followed by a dazzling fireworks display.

Those wishing to delve into past centuries can visit the “Times and Epochs” Festival to dedicate themselves to historical reenactments. It gives visitors a brilliant opportunity to see warriors, knights, Vikings and musketeers all in one place. The venues are located throughout the city, allowing visitors to also view samples of medieval weapons, uniforms and household items. The master classes on painting Matryoshka dolls also draw in many foreigners at a special Moscow complex, which houses permanent exhibitions of every Russian region. Notably, all of these events are offered free of charge to the public.

One of the most beautiful traditions of Russia Day is the ceremony of presenting state awards by the President for outstanding achievements in the field of science and technology, literature and art, as well as in human rights and charitable activities.

Relations That Stand the Test of Time

It is well known that the relations between Russia and China have stood the test of time and continue to strengthen for the benefits of the peoples of our two counties. We can be rightfully proud that the bilateral ties have now reached the highest level in history and have acquired the character of a truly comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction.

The high level and special nature of Russian-Chinese relations were vividly confirmed by the fact that on May 16-17, 2024, Vladimir Putin paid his first official visit to the People’s Republic of China shortly after officially assuming office as the President of Russia. The substantial talks with Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, and other high authorities have deepened our comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction and have set new ambitious goals and long-term guidelines for the development of the entire range of the bilateral relations.

The Soviet Union was the first country to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Therefore, in early October this year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between our countries. Not only that, there is another round date that we are celebrating this year — the 30th year of the reopening of the Russian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

The relations between Russia and Hong Kong became truly multilateral after 1997, when Beijing resumed the exercise of sovereignty over this part of China. Since then, Hong Kong has maintained its status as a global financial hub and a gateway to the mainland China’s market. This position has been proved as invaluable for Russian businesses and investors looking to accessing the vast economic opportunities in Asia.

The Russian side sees its relations with Hong Kong within the broader framework of the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, which as I have mentioned, is currently experiencing the unprecedented growth, creating additional opportunities for deepening our business ties with Hong Kong.

We are convinced that trade and economic relations between Russia and Hong Kong will be further expanding. Our entrepreneurs are ready for joint investment projects in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the development of mutually beneficial business ties with Hongkong citizens.

Conversations That Connect Now & Then

Thanks to the efforts of Aeroflot-Russian Airlines, an air bridge between Moscow and Hong Kong has been resumed last December. For the last six months of this year, 60,000 Russians have already visited this part of China. It makes my country the third position of tourist arrivals here among the European countries in 2024. Russia is ready to extend the 14-day visa-free entry with Hong Kong up to 30 days to further facilitate humanitarian contacts and business exchange.

The next step in the development of our relations with HK S.A.R. should be intensifying of our cultural connections. The years of 2024 and 2025 have been declared as the Years of Culture between Russia and China. More than 230 events will be held within the framework of this initiative in 51 cities of China and 38 cities of Russia. This ambitious programme includes guest performances in capital and regional theatres, circuses and cinema festivals, museum and library exhibitions, culture and art fairs, as well as sports competitions. The most prominent Russian museums are open for cooperations with local cultural institutions.

Russian culture has always had a strong presence in Hong Kong. Whether it is the classical music concerts, the traditional Russian folk dance troupes, or the celebrated Russian avant-garde art exhibitions, there is a deep appreciation and fascination for Russia’s cultural heritages among people of Hong Kong.

This cultural dialogue has been further bolstered by the growing number of Russian expats calling Hong Kong a home. The city now boosts a thriving Russian community, with organizations like the Russian Club in Hong Kong, playing a vital role in preserving and promoting Russian customs and values. By sharing the richness and diversity of Russian culture, our compatriots contribute to the cultural tapestry of Hong Kong and foster cross-cultural understandings. The Russian diasporas successfully run art galleries, ballet classes, sports and music schools. I cannot but mention the efforts of the Russian Language Centre in Hong Kong in promoting the Russian language and cultural traditions among both locals and foreigners.

Looking ahead, there is no doubt that the ties between Russia and HK S.A.R. will continue steadily developing, along with our relations with the People’s Republic of China, implementing its significant potentials for the benefits of our people.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on this important milestone. Twenty seven years ago, Hong Kong has reunited its Motherland, concluding a long and complex history. For local people, this occasion marks the beginning of a new bright era — one of the renewed connections, prosperities, and stability shared with the Mainland. The “One Country, Two Systems” principle allows Hong Kong to maintain its unique identity and economic development, gaining full support of the Central Government.

Congratulations once again on this momentous occasion. May the relationship between Russia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China continue to flourish.

(The article has been edited. This article was published in the July 2024 issue of Bauhinia Magazine))