Cultural exchanges good opportunity for China-Colombia ties: Chinese ambassador

Cultural exchanges will help China and Colombia grow closer together, said Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Li Nianping Friday after the first performance of the Jilin Song and Dance Ensemble here.

As two countries are celebrate 36 years of their diplomatic relations next month, there will be an increase in cultural programs and trade missions, Li said, adding that more Colombians are welcome to China for a visit.

"It is a great honor for me to be working in Colombia as our countries grow closer together. The priority now is to unite our efforts to take bilateral ties to a higher level," he told Xinhua. Colombia's annual exports to China have grown 15 times in 10 years.

"Last year, President Xi Jinping spoke with President Juan Manuel Santos to discuss bilateral ties. Our work must see us reach a consensus on future development, including a feasibility study for a future free-trade agreement," said Li.

Another high-level cultural exchange between the countries took place in May 2015 during the visit to Colombia by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who was accompanied by Nobel Literature Prize winner Mo Yan.

The Jilin Song and Dance Ensemble was founded in 1943 and is considered one of the finest such companies in China, where it is known for its grand opera and dance productions. Endi