Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, May 9 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday attended celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the Great Patriotic War.
The celebratory event was attended by leaders from more than 20 countries and international organizations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Xi Jinping to the Kremlin on Friday morning. The two leaders then walked together to Red Square and took their seats on the main podium.
At 10:00 local time /07:00 GMT/ the celebrations began to the sound of the Kremlin chimes. A military band began playing “The Holy War” and the honor guards marched past.
Speaking at the event, V. Putin said that the Soviet Union won freedom and peace for all mankind at the cost of millions of lives. The people of China fought courageously during World War II, V. Putin noted, highly appreciating their contribution to building the common future of mankind.
“We remember the lessons of World War II and will never agree with the distortion of its events, with attempts to justify the executioners and slander the true victors,” said V. Putin. “Truth and justice are on our side.”
After the Russian president’s speech, a grand military parade began: a military orchestra played the Russian anthem, and cannon shots rang out on Red Square. Army units marched across the square one after another, marching in unison.
Units of the armed forces from more than 10 countries, including China, were also invited to participate in the parade.
After the celebrations, Xi Jinping and other leaders walked from Red Square to the Alexander Garden, where they laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and observed a minute of silence in memory of Soviet soldiers. –0–