Experts from China, Japan and South Korea made a proposal in Beijing on Monday for closer cultural and educational cooperation among the three countries.

Professor Ji Baocheng (L), president of Renmin University of China, reads out the declaration of the third session of the Forum of Northeast Asian Prominent Figures in Beijing, capital of China, April 28, 2008.

The proposal was made at the third session of the Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum, a regional platform with political, business and academic experts from the three countries.

The proposal suggested that the three countries launch a study of common cultural themes, including the compilation of a dictionary that would show the use of Chinese characters to convey different meanings in different countries.

The forum also proposed the establishment of a culture ministers' meeting mechanism to resolve differences and promote understanding.

The proposal suggested that China, Japan and South Korea jointly create a scholarship fund to increase opportunities for young people to pursue cultural exchanges.

The proposal said the three nations should establish a program to explore the history of rice farming, which was a common part of all their cultures.

The proposal also suggested the three nations should promote joint events with high public visibility in the cultural sphere, covering such areas as theater, music and folklore.

Some experts also suggested establishing language centers at selected universities to promote language education among young students. Others proposed strengthened cooperation among the three countries' cultural industries, especially related to film, drama and the arts.

The Northeast Asia Trilateral Forum, cosponsored by the Xinhua News Agency of China, the Nikkei news group of Japan and the South Korean leading daily newspaper JoongAng Ilbo, attracted more than 40 prominent figures from all walks of life in China, Japan and South Korea.

The first two sessions of the forum were held in Seoul in February 2006 and Tokyo in April 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2008)