On 2 November 2017, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Headquarters hosted Moscow Day, which included a thematic conference and presentation, Travel to Moscow.
Greeting guests, SCO Deputy Secretary-General Vladimir Potapenko said: "Moscow is one of the most attractive capitals of the world. The bright palette of the nations living in the SCO region, their rich cultural and natural heritage, centuries-old traditions and customs, as well as the desire for interpenetration and mutual enrichment of cultures will contribute to the emergence of new ideas and solutions for the development of tourism in Moscow."
The conference opening ceremony was attended by Moscow Government Minister and Head of the Department for Foreign Economic Activity and International Relations Sergei Cheryomin and Director-General of Beijing's Municipal Commission of Tourism Development Sun You.
During the conference, representatives of travel agencies gave colourful presentations that introduced participants to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the Russian capital, which tourists from different countries are eager to see.
Moscow Day was organised by the SCO Secretariat together with the Government of Moscow as part of the SCO Is Our Common Home programme.
During the official reception, guests had the opportunity to enjoy the melodious Russian songs performed by Nadezhda Kadysheva's Golden Ring pop ensemble and winner of the Iosif Kobson Golden Cup Karina Guchunova, as well as to taste dishes of national cuisine cooked by some of the best Moscow chefs.
The Travel to Moscow conference was held as part of the Moscow Day in Beijing events aimed at strengthening friendship and partnership between the two capitals.
The Golden Ring pop ensemble was established in 1988 by Alexander Kostyuk, a graduate of the Gnessin State Musical College, who decided to combine folk music (Russian, Ukrainian and Belarusian) and modern instruments (synthesisers, electronic percussion, electric balalaikas, etc.).