China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Thursday signed an agreement to enhance the exchanges and cooperation on culture and copyright issues.

The agreement was signed between National Copyright Administration of China and ROK Culture and Tourism Ministry on the sidelines of a four-day international cultural expo in Shenzhen, a booming city in southern China's Guangdong Province.

As the two Asian nations share similar cultural and historical background, it is in their interests to step up the exchanges and cooperation on culture and copyright issues, said Chinese and ROK officials at the signing ceremony.

The agreement signified the more extensive and in-depth cooperation on culture and copyright issues between the two countries, the officials said.

According to the agreement, the two sides will help with each other and seek common benefits within the World Trade Organization and other international institutions.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2006)