China appreciated Russia's sincere preparations and considerate arrangements in the reception of the children from China's earthquake-hit Sichuan Province, Liu Guchang, China's ambassador to Russia said on Thursday.

In a joint interview with Russian and Chinese press, Liu said the recuperation reception fully manifested the Russian government's care for the children in quake-hit region and the deep friendship between the Chinese and Russian peoples.

Such a move will not only be of profound significance in enhancing friendship of the two peoples and consolidating social foundation of bilateral ties, but also be able to inspire the Russian and Chinese peoples' enthusiasm for developing friendship between the two countries, Liu added.

The first group of 364 elementary and middle school students from Sichuan arrived in the far eastern city of Vladivostok on Thursday to recuperate for 20 days. Ambassador Liu and Sergey Darkin, governor of Primosky, greeted them at the airport.

The children traveled to Russia at the invitation of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who, during his visit to China in May, offered to host children from the quake-affected areas for rehabilitation.

Under to the plan, a total of 1,570 Chinese children will go to Russia during 2008 and 2009.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2008)