STORY: Memorial plaque honoring former Soviet expert to China unveiled in Russia
SHOOTING TIME: May 15, 2024
DATELINE: May 17, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:43
LOCATION: KALUGA, Russia
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the opening ceremony
2. various of the exhibition
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Russian): KIRILL BARSKY, Vice-Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Society
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Russian): IVAN BORISOVICH ARKHIPOV, President of the Foundation for the Development of Socio-Economic Relations between Russia and China

STORYLINE:

A memorial plaque commemorating the former head of the Soviet expert group to China Ivan Vasilievich Arkhipov was unveiled in the Russian city of Kaluga on Wednesday.
   
The ceremony was attended by representatives from China and Russia as well as Arkhipov's descendants.
   
At the ceremony, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Moscow Liu Qinghua noted that Arkhipov significantly contributed to helping New China revitalize its national economy and achieve the goals of the first Five-Year Plan, adding that he made unremitting efforts to consolidate and continue the friendship between the two peoples.
   
"The unveiling of this commemorative plaque enables us to further strengthen the resolve and confidence in carrying forward and deepening the great friendship between the two countries," Liu said.
   
Vice-Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Society Kirill Barsky told Xinhua that the unveiling of the plaque holds great significance.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Russian): KIRILL BARSKY, Vice-Chairman of the Russia-China Friendship Society
"We will remember the contribution that Ivan Arkhipov has made to the development of our relations for many years to come.
We will pass this memory on from generation to generation."
   
Arkhipov led the work of the former Soviet expert group to China in the 1950s. He has received multiple awards from both countries for his contribution to the bilateral ties. Arkhipov died in 1998.

Today, Arkhipov's grandson has embraced his grandfather's life mission, dedicated to fostering friendship between Russia and China.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Russian): IVAN BORISOVICH ARKHIPOV, President of the Foundation for the Development of Socio-Economic Relations between Russia and China
"My grandfather always said that half of his heart forever belongs to China. And he carried this friendship and love for this country through his whole life."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kaluga, Russia.
(XHTV)