PHNOM PENH: A Mid-Autumn Festival gala came alive in Phnom Penh on Wednesday (Sept 23) evening as Chinese and Cambodian artistes delivered a captivating joint performance, beautifully reflecting the cultural harmony between the two nations.
The vibrant, two-hour showcase featured more than a dozen traditional songs and dances. Among the highlights were seamless collaborations on timeless classics like "Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon" and "The Moon Represents My Heart," each drawing hearty rounds of applause from an enthusiastic crowd.
The gala, themed "Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon: Deep Bonds of Neighborly Friendship," took place in advance of Friday's Mid-Autumn Festival.
Speaking at the event, Cambodian Minister of Tourism Huot Hak said the gala marked a new chapter for a deeper bond of friendship between both nations.
"Cultural, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges serve as indispensable bridges that deepen the ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China," he said.
Chea Munyrith, president of the Cambodian Chinese Evolution Researchers Association, said the Mid-Autumn Festival gala highlighted the cultural harmony between China and Cambodia, noting their shared traditions of worshipping the moon and eating mooncakes.
"It enhances friendship, solidarity, and goodwill between our two nations," he told Xinhua.
Duong Chhun, a 21-year-old Cambodian university student, said the festival symbolises reunion, peace, love, serenity, cooperation, and happy times.
"The gala provides an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange between Cambodian and Chinese traditions," he told Xinhua. - Xinhua
