Laotian artists perform during a China-ASEAN joint cultural performance in Siem Reap province, Cambodia, Dec. 28, 2016. China-ASEAN joint cultural performance kicked off on Wednesday evening here in the complex of the Angkor archeological park, a world heritage site. (Xinhua/Sovannara)
SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- China-ASEAN joint cultural performance kicked off on Wednesday evening here in the complex of the Angkor archeological park, a world heritage site.
Under the theme "Connectivity in Diversity", the joint event was to commemorate the 25th anniversary of China-ASEAN dialogue relations.
Cambodian Tourism Minister Thong Khon and Tan Qingsheng, charge d' affairs of the Chinese Embassy to Cambodia, and diplomats of ASEAN countries to Cambodia as well as about 700 people attended the opening ceremony.
More than 266 artists and musicians from the 10 ASEAN member states and China showed their traditional dances and music at the event.
"Siem Reap province, the home of a world heritage site, is very pleased to host this milestone event, which is held to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ASEAN-China dialogue relations," Thong Khon said.
He said the event aimed at further strengthening China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation, promoting public awareness and people-to-people interaction, deepening the understanding of the growing China-ASEAN relations, and generating new impetus for the mutually beneficial China-ASEAN dialogue relations.
"The joint event will bring closer and stronger relations between the peoples of ASEAN and China," he said. "Furthermore, it will also enhance ASEAN-China strategic partnership, laying a firm foundation for a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region."
The minister said China and all ASEAN member states had shared a long-standing history of cultural exchanges and cooperation.
"Geographical proximity, cultural similarity, and favorable conditions for travel, tourism, trade and investment have contributed to the promotion of people-to-people connectivity between China and ASEAN," he said.
Tan Qingsheng said that over the past 25 years, thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, China-ASEAN relations had become stronger and stronger.
"Now, we can properly say that our partnership is the most vibrant one among all the relations of ASEAN with its dialogue partners," he said in his opening remarks.
Tan said cultural cooperation and exchanges are essential to promote mutual understanding, strengthen public support and deepen regional cultural identity.
"China-ASEAN have not only connected by land, river and sea, but also shared similar culture and history," he said.
He added that China and ASEAN are committed to implementing the action plan of ASEAN-China cultural cooperation 2014-2018.
ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Built between the 9th and 13th centuries by Angkorian Kings, the Angkor archaeological park, the kingdom's most popular tourist destination, is situated in Siem Reap province, some 315 km northwest of Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.
The ancient site attracted 1.94 million foreign visitors in the first 11 months of 2016, generating the gross revenue of 55.4 million U.S. dollars from ticket sales, according to the government figures.
