by He Yiran
MOSCOW, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- "Our friendship has never been just words -- it has lived through history and thrived among ordinary people like you and me," Galina Kulikova, first deputy chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association, has said.
"My bond with China began at the age of 22," Kulikova told Xinhua in an interview. "Since my first visit to China, I have witnessed countless precious friendships between the Chinese and Russian peoples."
Among her Chinese friends was Gao Mang, a renowned Chinese translator who dedicated his life to introducing Russian literature to Chinese readers.
"Our friendship spanned 50 years," she said. "He gave me the last poem he translated into Chinese before his passing. I still cherish the signed manuscript."
Since the 1950s, Kulikova has worked to deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples and has witnessed the growth of bilateral ties. Now 90, she still helps lead the Russia-China Friendship Association and is "not 'programmed' to retire."
"They told me, 'If you still have strength, we're happy to have you continue.' So I keep going," she said.
Kulikova sees culture as key to strengthening people-to-people ties. Since China and Russia established diplomatic relations, she has seen frequent exchanges by art troupes -- from symphony orchestras to ballet companies and choirs -- helping bring the two peoples closer.
"Through culture and art, the bond between our peoples has endured," she said.
In 2019, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of China-Russia diplomatic relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping awarded Kulikova the Friendship Medal, China's highest state honor for foreigners, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to promoting bilateral friendship.
"When I learned about it, I could not say a word," she recalled. "It was a great honor, but I've always said this medal isn't mine alone. It belongs to the thousands who have worked side by side with me."
"People-to-people diplomacy can never be achieved by one person alone. Without national support and teamwork, none of this would have been possible," she noted.
As this year marks the conclusion of the China-Russia Years of Culture, the upcoming Years of Education will open a new chapter, further boosting people-to-people exchanges, Kulikova said.
"Young people are curious about everything in China. Since China is our close friend, it's natural that they want to learn about all aspects of it," she said.
"Today's students studying in each other's countries are carrying forward the noble mission of friendship," Kulikova noted. "Young people are the new writers of this shared history." ■
