Cultural exchanges good opportunity for China-Colombia ties

An artist with China's Song and Dance Company of Jilin prepares prior to the first presentation in the Colsubsidio Roberto Arias Perez Theater, in Bogota, Colombia, on Jan. 22, 2016. China's Song and Dance Company of Jilin, which visited Colombia for the first time, will carry out two performances in Bogota. [Xinhua/Jhon Paz]

"Last year, President Xi Jinping spoke with President Juan Manuel Santos to discuss bilateral ties. Our work must see us reach a consensus on future development, including a feasibility study for a future free-trade agreement," said Li.

Another high-level cultural exchange between the countries took place in May 2015 during the visit to Colombia by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who was accompanied by Nobel Literature Prize winner Mo Yan.

The Jilin Song and Dance Ensemble was founded in 1943 and is considered one of the finest such companies in China, where it is known for its grand opera and dance productions.