Minutes after Andrey Denisov, former Russian ambassador to China, received the Outstanding Diplomat Medal in Beijing on Monday, a group of journalists gathered around him seeking interviews.

The seasoned diplomat switched effortlessly among Chinese, Russian and English as he fielded questions — from his personal bond with China to the broader Sino-Russian relationship and the visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I am happy to be in Beijing these days," said Denisov, who refers to himself as "a native of Beijing". Having lived and worked here for more than two decades, he said that a profound sense of hometown nostalgia feels only natural.

Beijing, he once said, remains his favorite among the many Chinese cities he has visited. In past interviews, he has spoken of strolling through the hutong , traditional alleys in Beijing, near the Bell and Drum Towers and the Houhai area, and of holding a special affection for Beihai Park — a quiet retreat in the heart of the bustling capital.

This connection is rooted in a journey that began half a century ago. Denisov first arrived in Beijing in 1973 as a young student interpreter, and he served as Russia's ambassador to China from 2013 to 2022. At his inaugural news conference in May 2013, Denisov struck the audience with a disarmingly personal touch when he opened his remarks with a warm everyday Chinese greeting, signaling his deep integration into the country.

Over the following nine years as ambassador, Denisov was a key figure in the bilateral relationship, working to advance cooperation across fields and strengthen people-to-people friendship and trust. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi once praised him as "a good friend, an old friend and a true friend of the Chinese people".

Denisov has participated in nearly every interaction between the Chinese and Russian heads of state in recent years. Speaking of Putin's visit to China on Tuesday and Wednesday, Denisov said that he has great expectations.

"The fact that there are quite a number of visits here in China in the spring underscores the role of China as both an actor and a key player in the international arena," Denisov said. "The world needs China; it needs China's contribution to peace and peaceful development." He stressed that Putin's visit is part of that broader effort.

With bilateral relations, cooperation in various fields, and international and regional issues of mutual interest on the two leaders' agenda, Denisov said, "I'm quite sure, as a former ambassador, that everything will be accomplished in a real form."

Quoting the Chinese maxim that "practice is the sole criterion for testing truth", Denisov said that, based on his many years of staying in China and his sustained efforts to advance bilateral relations, he can affirm that this partnership is both broad and deep in its development.

"We are two big countries. We are not allies, but we are very close. In some areas, our relationship is even stronger than just an alliance," he said, adding that he is convinced the two countries will have a good future and expressed confidence that the partnership will yield more positive outcomes.

Looking ahead, Denisov pledged to continue "serving the people wholeheartedly", drawing inspiration from the fundamental purpose of the Communist Party of China.