China is ready to continue cooperation with Russia in the field of protection of large pandas and conservation of biodiversity. This is stated in the response of the office of the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China to a request about the fate of panda Katyusha, who was born in the Moscow Zoo. The Chinese Foreign Ministry noted that big pandas in Russia "have received the greetings and love of the population" and contribute to mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that Beijing is open to working with international partners, including Russia, to protect large pandas and other endangered species. The question of Katyusha's future remains on the agenda: Svetlana Akulova, general director of the Moscow Zoo, said that negotiations are underway with the Chinese side to keep the panda in Moscow.
According to current agreements, panda cubs born outside of China can stay abroad for up to four years. Negotiations between the zoo and Chinese partners are ongoing, and their outcome will determine whether Katyusha will remain in the Russian capital after reaching this age.
