In 2006, Russian New Year was celebrated in China through a series of cultural events. Simultaneously, China's New Year celebrations were present in Russia. Such events show the extent of friendliness that dominates the Sino-Russian relations, and their hopes to be good neighbors that have mutual understanding of each other's cultures.

At the end of 2006, Russia officially confirmed participation in Expo 2010 Shanghai. Therefore, we visited Mr. Paltov, vice consulate general of The Federation of Russia in Shanghai to ask him a few questions.

I visited Mr. Paltov with many questions. However, the visit took a more friendly nature and communication was very smooth. He was kind humorous and energetic. He could always switch large and vague issues to clear and touching details. For example, we chatted about the Russian "Chinese Year" and about Russia's participation in Expo Shanghai.

"Russian Year" and "Chinese Year" -- a bridge

We first talked about the recent celebrations of the "Chinese Year" in Russia. Mr.Paltov noted that the event raised attention in various groups in the Russian society. Russian president Putin noted in his letter to Chinese chairman Hu Jintao that the Russian "Chinese Year" will help improve the Russian people's understanding of the friendly Chinese people's culture and further stabilize Sino-Russian relationship.

"Russians have always been interested in China and its amazing culture." Mr.Paltov explained that Russian people all love to see the vibrant modern China. The hosting of "Russian Year" and "Chinese Year" is like a bridge that could shorten the distance and help the cultural communication between China and Russia. He also said that that Russian "Chinese Year" would leave an everlasting mark in the history of the two nations' relationship. It was significant in building a harmonious world as well as promoting regional and world peace, and stability and development to nations.

"In this Russian 'Chinese Year', a very impressive project was the 'Shanghai Promotion Conference' in Moscow." Mr Paltov said that in that conference pictures of Expo Shanghai and Expo promotion videos were shown. This gave many Russians a different and new image of Shanghai. This conference started a desire for some to come to Shanghai and see the World Expo.

Mr.Paltov explained that "Shanghai Promotion Conference" portrayed the continuous growth rate of Shanghai and gave a comprehensive introduction of Expo Shanghai. He thought that the exhibited items gave the Russian people an idea about the prosperous future of China.

"City" and "Life", an" Innovative Spirit"

World Expo and Shanghai are topics of interest to Mr.Paltov and World Expo Shanghai was an ideal topic for us to discuss.

Mr.Paltov believes that World Expo is a creative stage for people from various countries to illustrate their cultural achievements. Russia has been active since the first World Expo. While the Russian domestic exposition business is still booming, World Expo provides the platform to illustrate these achievements.

"Do you know that my uncle participated in the Expo 1967 Montreal and he was very impressed. The former Soviet Union pavilion at that time was filled with modern aura and was one of the most crowded pavilions..." Mr.Paltov told me his family's experience as if he was there! And naturally, he had high expectation for Expo 2010 Shanghai.

Mr.Paltov, who has lived in Shanghai for the last half a year, is already closely tied to the city. He advised Russian reporters who are coming to Shanghai that they shed more light about Expo Shanghai more when coming Shanghai. He considers that World Expo is an a excellent medium for China and Shanghai to portray their true image.

"Expo Shanghai creatively proposed the idea of 'city' and 'life' -- 'better city, better life.' This theme is great because it will provide the human society that is entering 'urban times' an exhibition and communication platform." In terms of Expo 2010 Shanghai, Mr.Paltov especially praised the "innovative spirit". Moreover, he also considered that the "overseas promotion was successful" and "preparation was early and great".

Exhibit and communicate, new director of development

In regards to how the Russian pavilion would illustrate the theme and Russia's preparation, Mr.Paltov noted that relevant departments in Russia have finished their preparations for Zaragoza World Expo 2008 and also set up a "economic development and trading department" to prepare for Expo 2010 Shanghai. Plans would probably be out in two months.

"The Russian government is actively preparing for the Expo. We hope to present our achievements in resources, technologies and modernization in addition to our national features. Moreover, we hope that the Russian pavilion would be one of the largest and most amazing pavilions at the Expo." Mr.Paltov said. He also added that they were interested in participating in the traditionally attractive corporate pavilions in addition to the urban best practice zone, an added feature by Shanghai World Expo.

While showing us a booklet about Russian landscapes, he pointed out that Russian cities are neither like European or Asian ones. They are unique in urban planning, cultural construction, life quality, and how city could change people's life style. He hopes that Russian cities could be exhibited together with all other charming cities in the world in order to discover a development direction for future cities.

"We will actively put in energy for the preparation of Shanghai World Expo. Next, we will focus on the "Shanghai Week" in St. Petersburg in mid-June. The consulate will continue to provide support and assistance."

Mr.Paltov particularly mentioned a very interesting hall in Shanghai, the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall that has a 360 degree digital video hall. He got two Russian children to interpret in Russian. "If we can give the Russians in St. Petersburg a visual experience like that to appreciate Shanghai's sights, they gain much better and comprehensive knowledge of Shanghai." Mr.Paltov said with enthusiasm.

Near the end of this pleasant chat, Mr.Paltov said sincerely, "You know, I was truly happy for you when Shanghai won the race. I'm working in Shanghai now and I will do my best to contribute to the success of Expo Shanghai".