The Chinese embassy in Russia on Wednesday night held a grand reception for the upcoming international women's day, attended by more than 300 women from the Russian government, parliament and international diplomatic corps.

Shi Xiaoling, wife of Li Hui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, hailed the persistent efforts of women from all countries along the centennial road for self-liberation.

Women have been playing a more and more important role in almost every field, including politics, economy and social life, Shi said in her address.

With the development and opening-up process of China, Chinese women have been able to hold up half the sky in national and family life, whose rights and interests have been fully ensured, she said.

Shi also noted women's role in energizing friendship between China and Russia, hoping that women from both countries would continue their dedication to the further enhancement of bilateral ties.

Svetlana Orlova, vice chairwoman of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia's parliament, hailed the successful staging of the 6th China-Russia Women's Culture Week in China last year. She encouraged Russian women to actively participate in the events of Chinese language year in Russia this year.

Women diplomats and overseas students also drew wild applause from the audience because of their spectacular singing and dancing performances, as well as their Chinese tea making and cooking skills.

(Xinhua News Agency March 4, 2010)