China's Minister of Culture Luo Shugang addresses the opening ceremony of 2016 China and Qatar Cultural Year in Doha on Jan 24, 2016. [Photo/Culturalink.gov.cn]

An opening ceremony of 2016 China and Qatar Cultural Year was held in Doha on Sunday. Chinese Minister of Culture Luo Shugang, Qatari Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kuwari, and Ambassador of China to Qatar Li Chen attended the function. Around 600 high-level officials of Qatar government and representatives from other embassies were present at the event.

Luo and Al-Kuwari addressed the ceremony. Both noted that the 2016 Cultural Year is an implementation of the agreement reached by the two nations in November 2014. The event will bridge cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries and give a boost to the development of mutual relations.

Artists from Zhejiang province performed a series of traditional Chinese dances, folk music and acrobatics, such as dance Jiangnan in Chinese Ink Painting and acrobatics Lotus and Umbrella.

Luo said the impressive performance highlighted the charm of Chinese and Qatari culture. Al-Kuwari said the event will mark a new start of the relations between China and Qatar.

During the event, China and Qatar will stage 27 cultural programs, such as art performances, exhibitions on photography and lectures.