An artist with China's Song and Dance Company of Jilin prepares prior to the first presentation in the Colsubsidio Roberto Arias Perez Theater, in Bogota, Colombia, on Jan. 22, 2016. China's Song and Dance Company of Jilin, which visited Colombia for the first time, will carry out two performances in Bogota. [Xinhua/Jhon Paz]

Cultural exchanges will help China and Colombia grow closer together, said Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Li Nianping on Jan 22 after the first performance of the Jilin Song and Dance Ensemble in the Colsubsidio Roberto Arias Perez Theater, in Bogota, Colombia.

As two countries are celebrate 36 years of their diplomatic relations next month, there will be an increase in cultural programs and trade missions, Li said, adding that more Colombians are welcome to China for a visit.

"It is a great honor for me to be working in Colombia as our countries grow closer together. The priority now is to unite our efforts to take bilateral ties to a higher level," he told Xinhua. Colombia's annual exports to China have grown 15 times in 10 years.