Liu Cigui (R1), secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, talks with the Information Telegraphic Agency of Russia (TASS) Director General Sergei Mikhailov (L1) in Haikou on May 9. [Photo by Wang Kai/Hainan Daily APP]
The Information Telegraphic Agency of Russia (TASS), Russian largest national news agency, sent a delegation led by Director General Sergei Mikhailov on a visit to Hainan on May 9 for deeper cooperation.
The visit was mainly intended to promote the implementation of the memorandum of understanding and the agreement concerning publicity and cultural cooperation signed between the Hainan Provincial People's Government and TASS in September 2018 and January this year respectively.
Liu Cigui, secretary of the CPC Hainan Provincial Committee, met with the guests and expressed a warm welcome. As Hainan is currently striving to build a pilot free trade zone and explored gradual construction of a free trade port with Chinese characteristics, he thought the visit would play a significant role in enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of journalism.
Liu expressed hope that both sides would vigorously promote the implementation of various cooperation projects, continue to produce fruitful cooperation results, and build bridges to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation in various fields between China and Russia. Hainan will provide better services and add more flights for Russians to travel, study, and start businesses in Hainan, so as to enhance the friendship of the two countries and make contributions to the Belt and Road Initiative.
Based on the signed agreements, TASS will set a special column about the China (Hainan) Free Trade Pilot Zone on its official website to promote information and achievements of Hainan FTZ's policy, economy, culture, tourism, sports, healthcare, and education to Russia and the world.
Staff members of Hainan Daily Press Group treat guests from TASS on May 9. [Photo by Liu Yang/hinews.cn]
The delegation also visited Hainan Daily Press Group, which is Hainan's largest press group, on the same day. The members visited Haikou Fengxiang Wetland Park and the Haikou Citizen Visitor Center as well.
TASS is one of the world's five major news agencies. Headquartered in Moscow, it has branches in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong among its total 138 branches around the world. It maintains close relationships with over 80 news agencies and offers information to press organizations and offices of commercial representatives in 115 countries and regions.
The TASS delegation led by Sergei Mikhailov learns about the historic development and achievements of Hainan Daily Press Group. [Photo by Liu Yang/hinews.cn]