Cambodia hosted the first International Youth Cultural Festival on April 15 with the aim to enhance cultural exchange among youth in ASEAN member nations and those from the group’s dialogue countries.

Themed "Unity and Solidarity, Strength and Cultural Diversity", the event was held at the Angkor world heritage complex in northwest Cambodia 's Siem Reap City .

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Cambodian Minister of Education, Youth and Sports Hang Chuon Naron said the festival was a remarkable event to welcome the ASEAN Economic Community, the official formation of which is scheduled for late this year.

He said the event contributes to promoting people-to-people and youth-to-youth interactions as well as connections between ASEAN and its dialogue countries, including China , Japan , the Republic of Korea , Australia , India and Russia .

During the festival, participants showcased their respective cultural identities through art performances and cultural object displays.

The same day, over 2,000 Cambodians broke the world record for the largest Madison dance, organised to celebrate the three-day Cambodian New Year festival Chol Chnam Thmay that began on April 14.

The Madison, originated in the United States in the late 1950s, is particularly popular among Khmer people’s New Year celebrations and wedding receptions.-VNA