Phnom Penh (FN), Aug. 8 – Cambodia and China successfully organised the “Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon” to celebrate the Cambodia-China People-to-people Exchange Year 2024 at the Royal University of Fine Arts, Phnom Penh.

The event was presided over by Chinese Ambassador Wang Wentian and Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts Phoeurng Sackona, with participation from officials and guests of both countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Wang highlighted that China is the birthplace of tea, with traditional Chinese tea processing techniques and related customs inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2022.

“Cambodia also has a rich tea culture, with tea drinks becoming an essential part of daily life for many Cambodians. It can be said that tea has become a significant method for Chinese and Cambodian people to get to know each other, and for the exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese civilization and Khmer civilization. By hosting this cultural tea event, we hope to use it as a means and opportunity to foster mutual understanding and promote friendship between our two peoples,” stated Ambassador Wang.

The Chinese ambassador added, “China and Cambodia have always been good friends and true friends who share the same interests and treat each other sincerely. The traditional friendship between the two countries has withstood time and the test of changes in the international situation, and has remained fresh and strong over time.”

Ambassador Wang believed that with the joint efforts of friendly people from all walks of life in both countries, China-Cambodia's relation will surely thrive like a tea tree and be as fragrant as tea leaves.

For her part, Minister Phoeung Sackona took the opportunity to thank the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia for its cooperation and coordination on all programs and events, which have enabled both countries to organise and jointly hold a wide range of activities, including art events, workshops, training sessions, exchange of experts in the fields of heritage conservation, art and film.

Representing the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, the minister pledged to continue to work closely with the Chinese Embassy in Phnom Penh to further expand joint activities to contribute to the strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries in line with the high-level leadership of the two governments and to honour the Cambodia-China iron-clad friendship.

Leaders and guests of both countries, lecturers and students of the Royal University of Fine Arts were invited to taste specialty teas from Yunnan Province, China, appreciate Chinese art performances, experience Chinese natural dyeing, and enjoy the charm of cultural exchange between Cambodia and China.

The 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year was officially launched in January in Siem Reap province, aiming at further deepening the bonds of friendship between the two countries' peoples. Since the beginning of the year, China and Cambodia have closely cooperated and carried out a series of colourful activities around the main theme of the Year of Cultural Exchange, covering various fields such as literature, tourism, media, and health.
=FRESH NEWS