BEIJING, Dec. 12 -- A performance by two art troupes from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) cannot be staged as scheduled due to communication issues at the working level, according to relevant departments on Saturday.

China attached high importance to the cultural exchanges with the DPRK, and was ready to continue to work with it to promote the bilateral exchanges and cooperation in culture and all other areas, a press release from the departments said.

The two troupes -- the State Merited Chorus and the Moranbong Band -- were scheduled to perform in the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing from Dec. 12 to 14.