The union of Cambodia and China through art and photography marks a significant milestone as the “Beautiful Cambodia, Beautiful China” photo exhibition tour launches in northwest Cambodia’s cultural province. This event, catalyzing scores of visitors since its opening, serves as a compelling medium for fostering deeper cultural understanding and collaboration between the two nations.
Spanning from September to December 2024, the exhibition showcases a total of 66 photographs—33 from each country. These images beautifully capture the essence of both Cambodian and Chinese landscapes, depicting natural scenery, historical monuments, cultural vibrancy, artistic variety, urban progress, and contemporary lifestyles. This visual journey not only highlights the unique aspects of each nation but also reflects their shared values and common paths towards modernization.
The theme, “New Era for Cambodia-China Community with a Shared Future,” encapsulates the spirit of cooperation and friendship that the exhibition aims to promote. Coordinated by the China International Communications Group (CICG) Center for Europe and Asia and ASEAN Top News, in partnership with the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia, the tour commemorates the 66th anniversary of Cambodia-China diplomatic ties and the 2024 Cambodia-China People-to-People Exchange Year.
According to Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Sok Soken, the exhibition is poised to enhance the cultural connections and friendships between the peoples of Cambodia and China, bringing fresh momentum to the construction of a shared community for a new era. He emphasized the potential of the exhibition to showcase the rich cultural heritage, traditions, and tourism capabilities of both nations, thereby bolstering relations, tourism collaboration, and cultural exchanges.
Furthermore, the event symbolizes a step forward in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a flagship global development strategy adopted by China to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter future of mutual prosperity.
Minister Soken celebrated the longstanding friendship, historical ties, and cultural similarities between Cambodia and China, tracing back to the narratives of Chinese envoy Zhou Daguan from the late 13th century. These stories highlight a deep-seated interactive relationship spanning many generations, from ancient times through the modern day, nurtured through mutual support and respect.
The significance of tourism in Cambodia’s economic landscape cannot be overstated, with the sector accounting for nearly 13 percent of the nation’s GDP and providing extensive employment opportunities. With a 23.2 percent increase in international tourists during the first seven months of 2024, including a significant 45.7 percent increase in Chinese visitors, the synergy between Cambodia’s tourism industry and Chinese tourists and investors is unmistakable.
Siem Reap Provincial Deputy Governor, Dy Rado, echoed these sentiments during the exhibition’s launch. He underscored the importance of this event in showcasing the beauty, economic progression, and cultural heritage of Cambodia and China. The exhibition not only deepens the friendship between the two nations but also significantly contributes to the growth of Cambodia’s tourism sector.
Siem Reap, a cornerstone of Cambodian tourism and home to the revered Angkor Archaeological Park, thus becomes the perfect backdrop for this cultural exchange. The collaboration reflects a “comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation” initiated in 2010, further strengthening the “iron-clad” bond between Cambodia and China.
As this photo exhibition tour progresses through various cities in both countries, it stands as a vibrant illustration of their commitment to mutual growth, understanding, and the unwavering resolve to forge a shared and prosperous future. The initiative not only celebrates the artistic endeavors and natural beauties of both lands but also heralds a new chapter in their rich history of camaraderie and cooperation.
Source: Fresh News
