By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

A special cultural exchange exhibition commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Uzbekistan opened at the Korea Museum of Art in Insa-dong, Seoul, on March 5.

 

The exhibition was co-organized by Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Korea H.E. Mr. Alisher Abdusalomov and Diplomacy Journal Chairman Lee Jon-young, and was designed to promote cultural ties and artistic exchanges between Korea and Uzbekistan.

 

 

The Korea-Uzbekistan Cultural Exchange Exhibition, which opened on March 5, will ran until March 11, and the awards ceremony was held on March 5 at 3 p.m., with foreign ambassadors from the Dominican Republic, Bulgaria, Belarus, Turkmenistan, the Lao PDR, Romania and Venezuela in attendance. Diplomatic missions from other countries also attended the gala event.

 

Artists from Korea and Uzbekistan participated in the exhibition and presented a variety of works, including K-folk paintings, paintings, and photographs, expressing the deep friendship between the two countries through art.

 

 

The event was supported by a number of sponsoring organizations, including the K-Culture Promotion Foundation and Korea Masters Association, as well as media outlets such as Damwha Media Group, Monthly Diplomacy Journal, UN Journal, and Citizen Administration Newspaper.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov of Uzbekistan said, “It is a great honor to stand before you today at this remarkable photo exhibition, which celebrates the year of mutual exchange between Uzbekistan and South Korea.

 

 

“Both South Korea and Uzbekistan are nations with proud histories and rich cultural heritages, and we have worked tirelessly to preserve and promote our historical and spiritual legacies. Thanks to the leadership of our governments, the open, friendly, and constructive dialogue at the highest levels has propelled our bilateral relationship to unprecedented heights.”

 

Amb. Abdusalomov said, “In the field of education, for example, we are proud to have four branches of leading Korean universities operating successfully in Uzbekistan. Additionally, over 11,000 Uzbek students are currently studying in South Korea, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience that will contribute to the development of our country.”

 

 

Noting that this exhibition, which showcases rare and historical photographs from Uzbekistan, reflects our country's rich cultural, historical, tourist, and economic potential, he said, “It is a testament to the vibrant life of Uzbekistan, as well as the deep and enduring friendship we share with Korea. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful photographs from Korea, which further highlight the mutual respect and friendship that binds our nations.”

 

Meanwhile, Chairman Lee Jon-young of the Diplomacy Journal, said in his welcoming remarks, “The 52nd International Cultural Exchange Exhibition commemorates the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Uzbekistan, and we are very pleased to host foreign ambassadors and artists.

 

 

“In particular, this year's event will honor a student from Uzbekistan as the 201st scholarship recipient, and will be accompanied by the second solo exhibition of 10 artists invited by Korea Masters Association. This is expected to further enrich artistic exchanges between the two countries.”

 

Commenting that this exhibition is an important occasion to further strengthen cultural ties and friendly relations between Korea and Uzbekistan, Chairman Lee said, “It is also a meaningful opportunity to promote cultural exchange and tourism between the two countries. It will be an opportunity to share the beauty of art from both countries and to realize the importance of cultural exchange. The exhibition is also important for showcasing Uzbekistan's tourist destinations and promoting tourism cooperation.”

 

 

He added, “In particular, the Uzbekistan Tourism Photo Exhibition is a unique opportunity to introduce the beautiful natural and historical attractions of Uzbekistan to Korean visitors. We hope that this will further enhance tourism exchanges between Korea and Uzbekistan and increase the number of Korean tourists visiting Uzbekistan.”

 

At the event, Chairman Lee presented the 201st scholarship to Abrorjon Azimbaev, an Uzbekistan-based student at Hankook University of Foreign Studies, with a scholarship certificate and KRW 1 million. The student was nominated by the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul and selected as an international scholar. Chairman Lee has selected 200 scholarship recipients to date.

 

Cultural Editor Lee Mi-hyung of Diplomacy Journal (left) who is also professor of the Department of Cultural Content, the Institute for Adult & Continuing Education of Myongji University, also presented a folk painting to Ambassador Alisher Abdusalomov of Uzbekistan.

 

This will be followed by the 2025 Diplomacy and Reunification K-Folk Painting Exhibition, which will be held on the second floor of Korea Art Museum in Insa-dong, Seoul from March 12 to 18.