The bilateral events of the Year of China and of Russia are of historic significance and will lay the groundwork for the growth of bilateral relations in the new century, a leading China scholar in Russia said.

"China has really grown by leaps and bounds. Looking at the buildings from aboard an airplane, one would find Beijing and Shanghai second to none among the major cities in the world," Mikhail Titarenko, director of the Far East Institute at the Russian Academy of Sciences, told Xinhua in an interview.

The 73-year-old academic made his first trip to China in the 1950s to study Chinese at Beijing University and has since visited China numerous times.

Titarenko also chairs the Russia-China Friendship Association. His office in Moscow is decorated with Chinese cultural ornaments, and a Chinese calligraphic scroll hung on the wall says: "China-Russia friendship is of long standing."

"In the past half century, the two countries have witnessed brotherly ties but also had bitter memories. Now, Russia and China have established a new, unprecedented relationship, which is based on similar or identical standpoints on international issues, national security needs and the agreement of strategic interests and objectives of the two countries," Titarenko said.

The Russian scholar said Russia and China respect each other, interact as equals and enjoy good relations.

"In recent years, Russians have been increasingly keen on learning about China," he said, adding that the Chinese language, martial arts and paintings are popular among Russians.

"Of course, some people in Russia still have doubts over the firmness of Russia-China friendship, due to a lack of understanding and the lingering perceptions of the downturn in bilateral ties in history," Titarenko said.

He said it was "correct" and "wise" for the leaders of the two countries to organize the Year of China and the Year of Russia.

The Year of Russia provided a chance for millions of Chinese to see a changing Russia, and the Year of China will help the notion of China being a friendly neighbor take root in Russia, Titarenko said.

During the Year of Russia last year, a total of 300 festivities were held in China, covering such areas as politics, economy, science, culture and education. Over 500,000 Chinese were directly involved in the festivities, which drew a total audience of hundreds of millions more.

This year will see nearly 200 "Year of China" events in Russia that include a Chinese national exhibition, a cultural festival, a business forum and an investment conference.

"Russia and China live as neighbors, which determines the irreversible trend in bilateral ties. History has proven that only by living in concord and joining forces can we overcome the difficulties that may rise," Titarenko said.