The National Theater of China and the National Theater of Greece have signed an agreement in Beijing to promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two nations.

Under the agreement, the two theaters will conduct long-term and in-depth cooperation on theater performances and talent cultivation in the future.

Artists from China National Peking Opera Company perform Female Generals of the Yang Family at the Athens Concert Hall in Greece, Sept. 17, 2017. The electrifying performance was part of a series of events staged this year for the 2017 Greece-China Year of Cultural Exchanges and Culture Industry Cooperation. [Photo: Xinhua]

Jing Xiaoyong is the Communist Party of China Secretary of the National Theater of China.

"The agreement involves universal education of theater, stage technology, management of theater troupes and other aspects. We look forward to better and long-term cooperation in the future, so that we can learn from relevant advantages of Greece while spreading China's beautiful culture," Jing noted.

The Greek minister of culture and sports Lydia Koniordou says the deal will help preserve both countries' cultural heritages.

"We have great ancient cultures that have formed western and eastern civilization as we know them today. So, it's of great importance to find ways to collaborate and exchange our cultural treasures," Koniordou said.

2017 has been designated as the Year of Cultural Exchanges and Cooperation in Creative Industries between China and Greece.