Prior to the 67th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of Russia, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with the representatives of Russian WWII veterans in the Victory Memorial on Poklonnaja Mountain, Moscow on April 28 and paid great respect to them.

The Russian veterans extended sincere gratitude to Li Keqiang. They said with deep emotion that they all fought in the anti-Japanese battles in northeastern China and were warmly welcomed by the Chinese people wherever they went. It is an unforgettable and pleasant memory in their life.

Li said that the veterans gathering here today all participated in the WWII and made outstanding contributions to maintaining world peace and safeguarding human civilization. In particular, they fought side by side with the Chinese soldiers and civilians and with the armed forces led by the Chinese Communist Party and won the ultimate victory in the battlefield of northeastern China. They built the China-Russia friendship with actions and blood. Their contributions will be engraved in history and the people and youth of both countries will always remember their historic feats. We will always remember their immortal feats and will never forget the Russian soldiers who sacrificed on the Chinese battlefield.

He noted that without the victory of the Anti-Fascist War, China and Russia would not have realized their development today. We will cherish the hard-won achievements, push forward China-Russia friendship, cooperation and development and join hands to safeguard world peace.

Recalling the past, they believe their blood did not flow in vain, said the veterans' representatives. The world today is still not a peaceful place and faced with some severe challenges. Russia and China need to continue to work together to handle the challenges.

Prior to the meeting, Li visited the Victory Memorial on Poklonnaja Mountain. He pointed out that respecting history shows the respect for human civilization and will make us more appreciative of peace. He laid a wreath in front of the victory soldier sculpture in the hall of honor and made a calligraphy inscription which reads "great historical feats and immortal heroic deeds".

On the same day, Li also met cordially with the staffs of Chinese embassy and representatives of Chinese-funded organizations, overseas Chinese and Chinese students in Russia.