Malaysia and China signed the Cultural Agreement in Kuala Lumpur November 23 to promote cultural exchange and cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Malaysian Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Abdul Kadir on behalf of their respective governments.

Under the agreement, the two parties agree to develop exchanges and cooperation in the fields of culture and art, press and publication, sports, tourism and social science on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.

The two sides agree to encourage and support exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of literature, performing art, visual art, artistic education and cultural industry.

Both parties agree to encourage and support the establishment of cooperative relations between archaeological institutions, museums and libraries of the two countries and the exchange of visits of professionals.

The two sides also agree to encourage and support exchanges and cooperation in the fields of press and publication and research of social science, between sports and tourism institutions, between youth organizations, between friendship organizations, and between non-governmental organizations of culture and art, religion, trade union, women, elderly people and the handicapped to promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Besides, the two countries also signed Tuesday a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Bank Negara (State Bank) Malaysia and the People's Bank of China, and an Arrangement on the Exchange of Animals.