On June 19, the 18th China-ASEAN Cultural Forum, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, opened in Nanning, Guangxi. Rao Quan, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Wisanu, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, delivered a video message for the opening ceremony of the forum, and the Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture of Myanmar and the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism of Laos, Somsavan, were on hand to attend the forum activities. Miao Qingwang, Vice Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People's Government, attended the forum and delivered a speech at the opening ceremony.

Mr. Rao Quan, Vice Minister of China and ASEAN, said that China and ASEAN countries are connected by mountains and rivers, have a long history of traditional friendship, and have frequent and close cultural exchanges. Under the continuous efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the China-ASEAN Cultural Forum has been developing and expanding its influence, and has become an important platform for promoting the continuous and in-depth cultural exchanges between China and ASEAN countries, as well as an important channel for enhancing mutual understanding and friendship. China is willing to work with ASEAN to implement the “Cultural Silk Road” plan, promote the common prosperity and development of culture between China and ASEAN, continue to push forward the construction of the “Five Homelands”, constantly enrich the connotation of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides, help civilization exchanges and mutual understanding, and contribute to the promotion of the progress of human civilization.

Under the theme of “Intelligent Library Construction and Reading Promotion”, the Forum aims to exchange views and prospects of China and ASEAN countries on the construction of intelligent libraries and reading for all, the restoration and preservation of ancient books in libraries and the promotion of reading, as well as international cooperation in libraries and book publishing, so as to boost the prosperity of the cultural industries of different countries and help build a closer China-ASEAN community of destiny. Officials from ASEAN Consulates General in Nanning, representatives of relevant international organizations, domestic experts in the field of culture and representatives of cultural enterprises attended the forum.