Russia's Medvedev was given a cold remedy and tried archery

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in Mongolia on a two-day visit and participated in a traditional Mongolian festival, called Naadam.

At the start the Russian president saw a demonstration of Mongolian wrestling, one of the country's traditional sports. Then, accompanied by members of Russia's delegation, Medvedev made his way to watch an archery competition, where he was shown how to shoot an arrow

…and he shot two arrows himself.

Professional Mongolian sportsmen then demonstrated their skills to the president, firing arrows at targets 70 meters away.

Horse racing was the next event on the program.

The riders included some quite young children, including a girl.

After the horse racing, Medvedev was invited to visit locals' houses at the foot of a mountain, where the Naadam festival was taking place. The Russian president entered a yurt, a traditional Mongolian dwelling. He sat at a table and served various Mongolian dishes, including kumis, a dairy product traditionally made from fermented mare's milk. Medvedev’s hosts gave him a jar of cold medicine, containing an ointment that gives off a vapor to be inhaled.

Medvedev followed the instructions, and said "it is pulsating, and it smells good." The next person who tried the medicine was Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (on the left). Observing his reaction, Medvedev noted "it was not like smoking, it was healthier." The head of Russia's Foreign Ministry is famous for his weakness for a cigarette. He did not give up smoking even when he headed Russia's permanent mission to the UN, which actively fought against smoking.

At the end of the Naadam celebration Medvedev presented awards to the participants. Naadam, which is believed to have its roots in Mongolia's warrior tradition, is celebrated annually in memory of the foundation of the Mongolian state and the people’s revolution in 1921. Traditional sports competitions, including wrestling, archery and horse riding, usually take place during the festival.