Cambodian 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)
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.
