Young athletes of the Chinese delegate meet before leaving for Moscow on June 11, 2007. [Photo: sportsphoto.cn]

More than 170 young athletes from China and Russia have gathered together in Moscow to enjoy a four-day sports Meet.

Deputy Director of China's General Administration of Sport, Feng Jianzhong, who is heading the Chinese delegation, addresses the opening ceremony on Wednesday.

"2007 China-Russia Youth Sports Meet is an important event in the 'Year of China' in Russia. Chinese young athletes cherish this opportunity. They want to promote their sports level through the event, and more importantly, to develop friendship with young people in Russia to make joint contribution to world peace, progress and development."

Russian Sports Minister Slava Fetisov says the event will promote the sports competitiveness of both countries. Exchanges and cooperation in sports will strengthen the good neighborly relations of the two nations.

The sports meet covers ten events, including basketball, gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, diving, shooting, swimming, wrestling and martial arts.