China, Japan and South Korea held a cultural forum in Beijing
Tuesday, pledging to increase cultural exchanges to promote
friendship and cooperation.
Officials with the three countries reviewed previous exchanges
and discussed plans to jointly host activities.
The discussions focused on using social and civil resources in
exchange activities.
Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the normalization of
China-Japan diplomatic relations, the China-Japan year of cultural
and sport exchanges, the 15th anniversary of the establishment of
China-South Korea diplomatic ties and the China-South Korea Year of
Exchange.
The three sides agreed to enhance exchanges in sport, the arts,
education and protection on cultural heritage in an effort to
promote the friendship among their peoples.
This is the second meeting of the China-Japan-South Korea
cultural forum, which was founded last year in Seoul to increase
mutual understanding and friendship, especially among the
young.
(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2006)