Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 27 March 2018:

During the celebration announcing the launch of the UAE/Korean Cultural Exchange Program, His Excellency Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of South Korea, hailed the depth of the bilateral relationship between the UAE and South Korea in various fields. He further stressed the important and vital role of cross-cultural exchange, in addition to his desire in developing and strengthening the ongoing ties for the prosperity of the people of both countries.

The celebration, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development at Abu Dhabi National Theatre yesterday, was attended by the President of the Republic of South Korea, the First Lady of South Korea, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, the Korean Foreign Minister, a number of foreign and Arab ambassadors and a number of cultural leaders and politicians from both countries.

The Korean President and the First Lady toured an exhibition in the theater commemorating the life of the Late Sheikh Zayed on the occasion of the Year of Zayed. Together with the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra, Korean singers and bands performed theme songs of Korean soap operas and movies that have been popular in the UAE. They were girl group Apink, singer Lyn, ethnic fusion band 2nd Moon and pansori singer Kim Yul-hee.

During her keynote speech at the event, Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi stressed that cross-cultural communication between the nations is an influential soft power tool essential in bridging various cultures. Its significance also lies in introducing UAE’s position to the world, in addition to its vital role in the integration of global cultures and civilizations. The Minister of Culture further noted that the UAE is keen on opening new prospects of cultural and knowledge collaborations with South Korea and other brotherly countries worldwide.

In her speech, Al Kaabi underlined that this visit exemplifies the depths of bilateral relations between the UAE and South Korea in various fields, which receives direct support from the political leaders of both countries. “We are honored to celebrate the vibrant, rich and diversified culture of South Korea, demonstrated in Korean arts, music and heritage. South Korea incorporates numerous innovators and talents and this cultural exchange will form a new pillar adding to the diversity of the UAE cultural scene.”, added the Minister of Culture.

On the other hand, Her Excellency Kang Kyung-wha, South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, hailed the distinguished relationships between both countries in various fields. Her Excellency praised the role cultural exchange in bridging the gaps between nations and civilizations.