Cultural Exchanges in January

1、The China-South Korea Exchange Year Kicks Off

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun exchanged messages to congratulate the start of the Sino-South Korean Year of Exchange on Jan.1st 2007.

In his congratulatory message, Hu extended congratulations to the official start of the Year of Exchange in 2007, which is a year-long exchange programme celebrating the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Hu said that China and South Korea are geographically close neighbours and that the two peoples have enjoyed profound and traditional friendship.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, especially that of comprehensive partnership of cooperation between the two countries, bilateral relations have been developing smoothly and vigorously. Bilateral cooperation in various fields have been in full swing and witnessed remarkable achievements. The two countries have maintained consultations and cooperation in international and regional issues.

"China is willing to work together with South Korea to strengthen good-neighborly friendship, expand mutually beneficial cooperation and promote common development, and create a bright future for bilateral comprehensive partnership of cooperation," said the president.

Roh said in his message that China has become South Korea's biggest trading partner and major investment destination.

The Year of Exchange is significant for both countries to develop their relations, the exchange programme will provide an important opportunity for them to further expand friendly cooperation.

The key events in the Year of Exchange include an opening ceremony in Seoul at the beginning of 2007, a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Aug. 24, and a closing ceremony in Beijing near the year's end.

Chinese movie actor Chen Kun and actress Sun Li are the goodwill ambassadors of China, and singer Kangta and actress and singer Jang Na-ra are the goodwill ambassadors of South Korea. The slogan of China-South Korea Culture Communion Year is "Friendly communication, Creating Future together." The two countries also set up a column of the China-ROK Exchange Year on official websites.

One of the most important activities is a South Korean cultural performance sponsored by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and held jointly by South Korean One Communications, the National Theatre Company of China, and the China Performing Arts Agency.