On September 30, 2009 the Deputy Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations, Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, and DECR official, D.I. Petrovsky attended a reception marking the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic and the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China; it was given in the Chinese Embassy in Moscow by Li Hui, who recently began his duties as the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of China in Russia.
Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, conveyed to Li Hui greetings of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, and also a congratulatory message from Archbishop Hilarion of Volokalamsk, Chairman of DECR MP, wishing success to the new Ambassador in his work for strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between of the peoples of Russia and China. DECR's Chairman also noted that in their efforts to build a harmonious society, the Chinese people largely rely on traditional spiritual and cultural values. The Bishop expressed his conviction that a worthy contribution to building the country is also being made by Orthodox believers in China. In connection with the national holiday, DECR's Chairman wished the Chinese people success in good deeds, peace and prosperity.
A brief discussion highlighted the development of good relations between the Russian Orthodox Church with China's traditional religious organizations, the strenghtening of joint relationships by both countries in humanitarian and religious spheres, as stipulated by bilateral inter-government agreements.