Macao and the Chinese mainland have signed a Closer Cultural Partnership Arrangement, hopefully to further enhance the cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two sides.

The agreement was inked here on Thursday by Chui Sai On, Macao's Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, and Ding Wei, the central government's assistant minister of culture, according to Macao Post Daily.

Ding told the newspaper at the conclusion of the signing ceremony that the two sides were already "very actively" engaged in bilateral cultural cooperation.

Both sides, under the eight-article agreement, are to support each other's cultural institutions and associations, based on the principle of "One country, two systems," the official was cited.

The agreement covers cooperation in sectors including literature, theater, Chinese opera, music, visual arts and arts education, according to the newspaper.

The special administrative region and the central government clinched a Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement in 2003.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2006)