A large-scale Chinese cultural event termed "Experience China in Turkey" opened with an ethnic dance and singing show in the Turkish capital of Ankara on Sunday night, drawing cheers and applauses from the audiences.

The event will introduce China's unique culture to Turkish people, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a message sent to the opening ceremony featuring folk songs and dances with distinct ethnic flavor from China's seven ethnic groups.

In his message, the prime minister also said "I sincerely wish a success for the opening show. Let's share our wonderful friendship."

Wang Zhongwei, deputy director of China's State Council Information Office which sponsored the event, said the decision of holding the event in Turkey showed China has attached importance to developing friendly ties with Turkey. He noted the "Experience China" event is held in one or two countries each year.

"We hope this event can help Chinese and Turkish people better appreciate and understand each other and promote our friendship," Wang added.

Ahmet Berkkan, a Turkish civil servant said after the opening ceremony "the show was so energetic, so colorful and so exciting. I watched all of them with great enthusiasm, especially when they sang Turkish songs."

The event, to last till the end of the month, covers nine major activities, including Chinese-Turkish political and economic forums, Chinese movie and television weeks, Chinese cuisine festival and exchanges between journalists and writers.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2010)