More events showcasing Russian art and culture will be presented in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region later this year to celebrate the China-Russia Years of Culture, according to a Russian envoy.

“Cultural exchange plays a vital role in bolstering relations between Russia and Hong Kong. It fosters mutual understanding and appreciation of each other's heritage, traditions, and values,” said Anatoly Kargapolov, consul general of Russia in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Beijing, with the two sides designating 2024-25 as Years of Culture of China and Russia.

READ MORE: China-Russia: A future-oriented strategic partnership

More than 230 events under this initiative will be held in 51 Chinese cities and 38 cities in Russia, Kargapolov told China Daily on Sept 30.

In Hong Kong, the consulate will also organize a movie show at the Hong Kong Film Archive in mid-November to give the local audience a chance to experience Russia’s latest achievements in film making.

The consulate will also take part in November’s Asia+ Festival in Hong Kong to showcase Russia’s national costumes, ballroom dancing performances, and traditional folk workshops.

Meanwhile, Kargapolov said the tours of the Mariinsky Theatre and Orchestra, led by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, will feature at the 36th Macao International Music Festival in October, making it one of the festival’s most highly-anticipated performances.

“The current state of cultural exchange between Russia and Hong Kong is vibrant and evolving,” said Kargapolov, noting a significant increase in collaborative efforts across various cultural sectors, such as art, music, and education.

Kargapolov said these exchanges not only enrich each other’s cultural landscapes but also build trust and goodwill, which are essential for deeper economic and humanitarian ties.

“While the Russian-speaking community is relatively small (in Hong Kong), it plays an active role in various areas such as business, arts, sports, and education,” said Kargapolov.

A case in point is The Russian Club, a non-profit organization established in 1998 to facilitate networking in the Russian-speaking community and raise interest in Russian culture in Hong Kong. The club also hosts an annual Russian Cultural Festival.

For Russian people, Hong Kong is also one of the most appealing destinations in China, with attractions such as Victoria Harbor drawing numerous visitors, said Kargapolov.

“From Jan to Sept 2024, over 70,000 Russian tourists visited Hong Kong, which is 184 percent more compared to the same period last year,” he said.

Kargapolov added that he also welcomes more Hong Kong travelers to visit Russia to explore its unique culture and cuisine.  

Currently, Hong Kong citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Russia for up to 14 days, Kargapolov said, adding that the consulate is also working to extend this period to 30 days, similar to the arrangement Russia has with Macao.

Noting the People's Republic of China celebrates its 75th anniversary on Oct 1, Kargapolov said the country has achieved impressive success in various fields, with its economy and people’s well-being constantly growing.

Kargapolov noted China’s bright prospects and expressed his wishes for the Chinese people’s success, prosperity, and well-being.

The Soviet Union was the first state to recognize the People’s Republic of China on Oct 2, 1949, a day after its establishment, and Kargapolov said the two sides have made significant progress over the past 75 years.

The visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin in May, his first foreign visit after being re-elected for a fifth term, has further strengthened the bilateral partnership and established new goals for cooperation, said Kargapolov.

Speaking from Hong Kong, Kargapolov said the local authorities, guided by the “one country, two systems” principle and with the firm support of the central government, have succeeded in making the city a better place to live.

“Since 1997, when China resumed sovereignty over the region, relations between Russia and Hong Kong have developed into a genuinely multilateral partnership,” said Kargapolov.

He added that Russia views its relationship with the HKSAR as an integral part of a broader framework of the Russia-China comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation.

READ MORE: China, Russia celebrate 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties

Kargapolov, who was appointed to the role last September, said the past year in Hong Kong has been a fascinating experience for him.

“As a global financial and commercial center, the energy and pace of the city is invigorating,” he said, adding that the city has a remarkable blend of East and West.

With cultural exchange serving as a bridge that enhances the relationship between Russia and Hong Kong, Kargapolov said he believes a more vibrant partnership that is mutually beneficial can be formed by sharing each other’s achievements in art, music, literature, and cuisine.  

Contact the writer at kelly@chinadailyapac.com