By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee
A special cultural exchange exhibition commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Kazakhstan opened at the Korea Museum of Art in Insa-dong, Seoul, on Nov. 1.
The exhibition was co-organized by Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Korea, Nurgali Arystanov, and Diplomatic Journal Chairman Lee Jon-young, and was designed to promote cultural ties and artistic exchanges between Korea and Kazakhstan.
The exhibition ran from October 30 to November 5, and the awards ceremony was held on November 1 at 3 p.m., with several ambassadors in attendance. Diplomatic missions from various countries, including the Dominican Republic, Azerbaijan, Romania, Turkmenistan, Brazil, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Pakistan, were in attendance.
Artists from Korea and Kazakhstan 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 the Association of Korean Masters, as well as media outlets such as Damwha Media Group, Monthly Diplomacy Journal, UN Journal, Citizen Administration Newspaper, and Economy Seoul.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Nurgali Arystanov said, “This exhibition provides an opportunity for Korea and Kazakhstan to understand and appreciate each other's history and artistic traditions,” emphasizing that art transcends borders and contributes to strengthening bilateral relations.
Ambassador Arystanov also celebrated the strong cooperation and ties between the two countries, noting that this year's state visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to Kazakhstan and the first overseas visit of South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik to Kazakhstan have further strengthened the bilateral ties.
“Culture is the strongest bridge between people and countries,” said Lee Jon-young, Chairman of the Diplomacy Journal, in his congratulatory remarks, ”and through art and culture, we are creating opportunities for closer cooperation between Korea and Kazakhstan.”
Lee also cited Kazakhstan's beautiful nature, rich culture, and warm hospitality, and encouraged more people to experience the country firsthand.
The exhibition is playing a major role in promoting cultural ties and artistic cooperation between the two countries, and is a significant affirmation of the deep friendship between the two countries through art.
At the event, Chairman Lee presented the 199th scholarship to Tazabek Alan Armanuly, a Kazakhstan-based student at Yonsei University's Underwood School of International Studies, with a scholarship certificate and KRW 1 million. The student was nominated by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul and selected as an international scholar. Chairman Lee has selected 199 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 Nurgali Arystanov.
