PHNOM PENH, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Tuesday marked the 28th National Culture Day with a series of traditional songs, dances and performances.

The event was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many and attended by more than 700 people.

Hun Many said the celebration aimed at inspiring youth to actively participate in safeguarding, preserving and developing cultural properties.

"Culture is the nation's soul and identity, so it's essential to educate and encourage people to join in protecting, promoting and developing our cultural heritage, customs and traditions for younger generations," he said.

The Southeast Asian country was proud of its culture and traditions as a number of its cultural properties had gained international recognition, he said.

To date, the kingdom has five tangible cultural properties and seven intangible cultural heritages inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. ■