Cultural and talents exchanges of all levels between China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) have promoted mutual understanding between the two nations, Wang Wenzhang, Vice-Minister of Culture, said on Tuesday in Seoul.

Wang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Year of China-ROK Friendly Exchange Year, which greeted around 200 prominent figures from both countries.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-ROK diplomatic relations.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and his ROK counterpart Lee Myung-bak exchanged New Year greetings on Jan 1 and announced the start of the China-ROK Friendly Exchange Year.

In the past 20 years, both countries achieved "comprehensive and rapid development" of cooperative relations in various fields, including politics and economy, Wang said.

"Beijing and Seoul have seen growing dynamics in the dimension of cultural exchanges in the context of the deepening all-round bilateral cooperation," said Kwak Young-jin, the first vice-minister of culture, sports and tourism of the ROK.

Zhang Xinsen, Chinese Ambassador to the ROK, said this year marks the Visit Korea Year and the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, which will contribute to strengthening bilateral mutual understanding and friendship.

Both countries are "close in space, connected in cultures and minds", and jointly contributed to the establishment of oriental civilization, Zhang said.

Woo Jin-Young, director of Korean Culture and Information Service and assistant minister of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, addressed the ceremony and asked audiences to read aloud "Beautiful Friendship and Happiness Accompanied", the theme of the year.