"Promoting Cultural Exchanges to Advance Korea–Russia Relations"...Seeking to Overcome Negative Impact of Global Tensions

[The Financial News] The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Russia has moved to expand cultural and artistic exchanges as a way to broaden ties between the Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation amid challenging international circumstances.
On the 19th (local time), the "Roundtable on Cultural Exchanges Marking the 35th Anniversary of Korea–Russia Diplomatic Relations" was held at the Korean Cultural Center in Russia in Moscow, hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Russian Federation with key figures from the Russian government and cultural circles in attendance. With many representatives from the Russian government and academia taking part, the event was seen as significant because participants agreed that, despite difficult geopolitical conditions, continued cultural exchanges between the two peoples are essential to ensuring the stable development of bilateral relations.
From the Russian side, Mikhail Shvydkoy, Presidential Special Representative for International Cultural Cooperation, and Anatoly V. Torkunov, Rector of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO University), were among those present.
In his congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Lee Seok-bae stressed, "Although Korea–Russia relations are facing difficulties amid a grave international situation, it is important, for the long-term and stable development of bilateral ties, to enhance cultural and artistic exchanges so as to deepen mutual interest and understanding between our peoples." Shvydkoy and Torkunov also highlighted the long history of cultural exchanges between the two countries and said they would continue efforts to advance bilateral relations.
In addition, numerous former Russian ambassadors to South Korea and leading scholars from Lomonosov Moscow State University, the National Research University Higher School of Economics (Higher School of Economics), Minsk State Linguistic University, the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences took part as speakers and panelists. They exchanged views on ways to advance bilateral relations across a wide range of fields, including culture, the arts, performing arts, and tourism.
The roundtable was organized to mark the publication of "Sustained Intercultural Dialogue between Korea and Russia," a volume authored chiefly by former Russian ambassador to South Korea Yevgeny Afanasyev and his son to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Korea–Russia diplomatic relations last year. The book also features contributions from Wi Sung-lac, Director of the Office of National Security, Lee Seok-bae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Russian Federation, Woo Yoon-keun, Chair of the Korea–Russia Dialogue Coordinating Committee, former ambassador Park No-byeok, four former Korean ambassadors to the Russian Federation, and many former Russian ambassadors to South Korea.


rainman@fnnews.com Reporter Kim Kyung-soo Reporter