China and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will strengthen cultural exchange and cooperation in 2009, Chinese Ambassador to the DPRK Liu Xiaoming said Thursday.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the China-DPRK Accord on Cultural Cooperation, Liu said at a reception in the Chinese embassy in Pyongyang.

The accord, signed on Feb. 21, 1959 in Pyongyang, lay the foundation for cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries, and has made great contributions to the consolidation and development of the China-DPRK friendship, Liu said.

A total of 68 cultural, educational, sports and health delegations from both countries exchanged visits in 2008, according to the ambassador.

Bilateral cultural links will grow even stronger in 2009, the "Year of China-DPRK Friendship," Liu added.

DPRK-China cultural exchange and cooperation have received great support from the top leaders of both countries, said Mun Jae Chol, acting chairman of the Korean Committee for Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries.

The DPRK and China are going to sign a plan for cultural exchanges from 2009 to 2011 in Beijing soon, which will surely add new vigor to the dynamics of bilateral cultural cooperation development, Mun added.

(Xinhua New Agency February 20, 2009)