The opening of the Chinese Geographical Conference took place in Nanjing on September 27, during which a ceremony was held to celebrate the 115th anniversary of the Geographical Society of China. The delegation of the Russian Geographical Society, headed by Ilya Gurov, First Deputy Executive Director of the RGS, took part in the celebrations.
During the ceremony, Ilya Gurov made a welcoming speech, talking about the long-term cooperation between the Russian and Chinese Geographical Societies. He also conveyed a congratulatory address from the Chairman of the RGS’s Governing Council Yuri Vorobyov on the significant date.
"It is symbolic that throughout this more than a century-long period, the Chinese and Russian Geographical Societies have done a lot of important joint research. Vladimir Afanasyevich Obruchev, Innokenty Petrovich Gerasimov, Eduard Makarovich Murzaev and many others have made a great contribution to the joint work of geographers from Russia and China over the years. A significant contribution to the development of Russian-Chinese scientific contacts in the field of geography was made by the recently departed Vice-President of the RGS, academician Pyotr Yakovlevich Baklanov.
Today, the cooperation between the RGS and the CGS is a harmonious system of relations which is centered on regular exchange programs, as a result of which young specialists selected on the basis of competitions in each of our countries can get acquainted with the unique natural, historical, and cultural sites of Russia and China. In our country, these were the islands in the Gulf of Finland and the Krasnodar Territory. Just a few days ago, the expedition to Primorye ended. In addition to youth exchanges, exhibition activities, publishing projects, innovative development and much more are seen as promising areas of cooperation," says the text of Yuri Vorobyov's message.
Ilya Gurov stressed that the Geographical Society of China is one of the priority partners of the RGS. In 2024, it will be 10 years since the signing of the agreement on their cooperation. This document has given a significant impetus to bilateral cooperation.
“In recent years, we have conducted several expeditions, student exchanges, photo exhibitions ‘The Most Beautiful Country’ dedicated to wildlife conservation, as well as scientific conferences. Just last Saturday, an eventful program ended, in which 10 representatives of scientific institutes from all over China spent a week in Vladivostok. The geographers visited key specialized organizations of the Primorye Territory and learned about their work, visited the main sights of the region, presented the results of their scientific research, and exchanged experiences with Russian colleagues at a round table held at Far Eastern Federal University,” Ilya Gurov noted.
The interaction of the Russian and Chinese Geographical Societies is supported not only in a bilateral format but also within the framework of BRICS. A month ago, eight geographers from China joined a large delegation of specialists from the countries of the group and came to the Republic of Khakassia to participate in events dedicated to the establishment of BRICS Geographer's Day. Now, at the initiative of the RGS, this holiday will be celebrated on August 18.
Recent examples of cooperation show that the friendship of geographers from Russia and China is not subject to external influence, demonstrates vitality and positive energy. The participation of the RGS in the celebrations on the occasion of the anniversary of the CGS also reflects the high level of trust between the two organizations, serves as confirmation of the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation, Ilya Gurov added.
“I am sure that our cooperation will only expand in the future. The new projects will help strengthen ties between scientists from Russia and China and serve as inspiration for future generations of geographers. In conclusion, I would like to once again congratulate all those present on the holiday, wish them success in their professional activities and all the best," Ilya Gurov said.
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Ilya Gurov presented the badge "For Cooperation" of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation to the President of the Geographical Society of China, Professor Fahu Chen. This badge is awarded to citizens of Russia and other countries for their services in the development of bilateral relations, assistance in strengthening peace and friendship between states.
During the event, Professor Fahu Chen spoke about the history and main achievements of the Geographical Society of China. The celebrations were also attended by Secretary General and Vice-President of the CGS, Professor Guoyu Zhang, and Director of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Fubao Sun.
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At the end of the day, a meeting was held with the representatives of the Working Committee of the Chinese Geographical Society for International Cooperation, which is headed by the Vice-President of the CGS, Professor at Zhongshan Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou) Desheng Xue. The parties discussed the results of the completed scientific and educational program in the Primorye Territory as well as the possibilities of expanding cooperation and launching new projects.
As part of the cultural program prepared by Nanjing University, the representatives of the Russian Geographical Society visited the historical complex of the former residence of the scientist, local historian, and public figure Gan Xi, known as the Grand Courtyard of the Gan Clan.