ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah has said that Pakistan and Korea enjoy hundreds of years old cultural exchange bonds, and relations between the two sides were always characterized by mutual respect and admiration for each other’s cultural ethos.
The Minister said this while addressing the Migrant Multicultural Festival (MAMF) 2023, being held in Changwon City, South Korea, from October 20 to 22, adding that the event highlighted the feeling of oneness and reminded him the stories of their land, tales of their people and spirit of their traditions. He further said that people of both countries were connected through the universal language of music and dance, where people from both sides would weave together narratives of the two great nations, evoking emotions that transcend borders.
Pak-Korea Cultural Bonds
Taking about the historic cultural exchange between the two sides, the Minister said that Buddhism and its rich tapestry of traditions and life lessons were brought to the ancient Baekje Kingdom, from what is now Pakistan, by Monk Maranantha almost two millennia ago, adding that today we witness this bond come alive again, as our artists take center stage.
The Minister also invited the Korean Cultural fraternity to visit Pakistan to further fortify cultural bonds.
“We eagerly await their visit. It would be an opportunity for the people of Pakistan to experience the rich traditions of art and culture from Korea, just as we share our own with you tonight”, he said. The Minister appreciated the organizers of MAMF, the City Government of Changwon, and all individuals and institutions that have made this possible.
“Through such platforms, we sow the seeds of lasting friendship, promoting harmony, peace, understanding, and unity amongst nations,” the Minister said.
MAMF is the largest cultural diversity festival in South Korea, celebrating its 18th anniversary at Changwon Yongi Cultural Park and Seogsan Art Hall.
Countries from all over Asia, including Pakistan, carrying different cultures, heritage, and values, are participating in the diverse festival MAMF 2023.
`Pakistan is leading MAMF 2023 with the theme “Pakistan Zindabad,” which means “Long Live Pakistan,” presenting its cultural beauty and values through traditional clothes, accessories, Henna, Traditional music like Dhol, Anthem, Zindabad, and traditional dance performance like Bhangra, Dhamal, Luddi and so on.
