China, Japan, South Korea to promote cultural prosperity

China, Japan, and South Korea have decided to strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation for promoting the cultural prosperity of East Asia.

An agreement on this issue was reached as cultural ministers of China, Japan and South Korea participated in the 5th China- Japan-South Korea Ministerial Conference on Culture Saturday, Xinhua reported.

Cai Wu, the Chinese minister for culture, Hakubun Shimomura, the Japanese minister for education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Yoo Jinryong, the South Korean minister for culture, sports and tourism attended the meet held in Gwangju city.

At the meeting, Cai said that the east and west differ in history, culture and values. But the East Asia as a whole, especially China, Japan and South Korea, should take good advantage of their cultural and historical similarities, trying to exact a "shared East Asia value" and seeking a greater say around the world.

Shimomura suggested the three countries select a "cultural envoy of East Asia" to not only promote cultural exchanges among citizens of the three countries, but also introduce the splendid culture of East Asia to the global audience.

Yoo Jinryong noted promoting the cultural prosperity of East Asia was the three countries' responsibility. The Ministerial Conference on Culture should contribute to promote closer cooperation between the three countries and the prosperity and stability of the region.

During the meet, the ministers designated Japan's port city Yokohama, China's ancient trading port Quanzhou and South Korea's Gwangju as the first series of "East Asia City of Culture."

The three cities would hold a variety of cultural and art exchange programmes next year to enhance mutual understanding and feelings among the people of the three countries.

--Indo-Asain New Service

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