The Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) held a celebration Thursday to mark the 60th anniversary of the victory of Russia's Great Patriotic War. 

Over 200 home and overseas guests attended the celebration, including Russian Ambassador to China Igor A. Rogachev, diplomats from some countries of Commonwealth of Independent States, and Chinese senior citizens who once worked or studied in the former Soviet Union.

CPAFFC President Chen Haosu said Sino-Russian traditional friendship dates back to the Patriotic War. Through their friendship and endeavors, the two countries succeeded in the Anti-Fascist War (World War II).

"Sixty years passed since the ending of the Patriotic War. However, to maintain peace is still an arduous task and responsibility," he said.

Chen said CPAFFC will bring into full play its advantages as a nongovernmental friendship organization, and contribute to enhancing Chinese and foreign peoples' friendship, strengthening international cooperation, safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

Rogachev expressed appreciation for Chinese respect and support for the Russian soldiers who had helped the Chinese fight enemies.

On the celebration, some Russian girls with traditional Russian dress performed dances. Two glee clubs composed of senior citizens who once studied Russian language sang lots of Russian Patriotic War songs.

"These songs brought us back to the war time, and made me feel genial," 70-year-old Pan, one of the audience, said. "To review history makes us know that we should cherish the hard-won peace," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency May 13, 2005)