Chinese 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)
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.
