ST. PETERSBURG, October 21. /TASS/. The mutual tourist flow between Russia and China grew 1.5-fold in the first half of 2026, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"The humanitarian agenda holds an important place. Our peoples are in sincere sympathy with each other, seeking to learn more about the history, traditions, and contemporary art of Russia and China. In the first half of [this] year alone, mutual tourist travel increased roughly 1.5-fold," he said at the 31st regular meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang.

Moscow and Beijing fruitfully cooperate in sectors including healthcare, sports, culture, and cinema, the Russian premier said, adding that the cross-years of collaboration in education open up "unique opportunities for the joint training of highly qualified professionals for the future."

Scientists and innovators from Russia and China are already working closely together, conducting applied research in megascience projects, among other things, which enables both countries to "successfully create their own technologies and competences, and enhance their competitiveness," Mishustin noted.

"The number of examples of practical cooperation will be undoubtedly increasing. Russia is open to such a dialogue," he concluded.