A delegation from the Murmansk Region, led by Deputy Governor Svetlana Panfilova, participated in the 10th anniversary Russia-China Expo, held in Harbin under the motto "Trust. Cooperation. Mutual Benefit." The main goal is to develop humanitarian ties and cultural partnership.
As part of the business program, several meetings were held between Olga Obukhova, Minister of Culture of the Murmansk Region, and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Heilongjiang Province. The parties discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation, organizing exchange tours, and launching joint creative projects between cultural institutions of the Kola Arctic and China.
Governor Andrei Chibis thanked the Murmansk Region delegation for their professional and meaningful work. He noted that China is the Murmansk Region's top foreign trade partner by the end of 2025, and the region continues to expand this interaction, with the anniversary exhibition marking an important step in strengthening this partnership.
"Our countries are linked not only by economics, but also by long-standing mutual interest in each other's cultures. Such meetings with colleagues from the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism help us agree on real tours and joint projects that will be seen by residents of both the Murmansk Region and Harbin. The language of art requires no translation; when the creativity of one people resonates with another, this is a true cultural bridge without borders," shared Olga Obukhova.
A striking example of this was the performance of the Honored People's Amateur Group of the Russian Federation, the Tonika Pop Song Ensemble from Severomorsk. The artists performed at the Murmansk Region stand immediately after the EXPO opening ceremony, and that evening they gave a solo concert at the prestigious Harbin Opera House. The young Nordic star Anya Zagrabskaya joined the group on stage.
"In December, during a trip to School No. 266 in Snezhnogorsk, I met Anya Zagrabskaya, who stunned the entire audience with her singing. After the concert, Anya's mother spoke of her daughter's dream—to someday perform in China. And it's absolutely deserved. Anya has already won dozens of competitions, won prizes at national and international festivals, participated in major musical projects, and performed alongside renowned artists. At the same time, she excels in her studies, studies languages, and continues to work hard on herself," the head of the region said, emphasizing the importance of supporting talented northerners.
The 10th Russian-Chinese EXPO will run until May 21.
/ Ministry of Culture of the Murmansk Region /
