First Lady Kim Geon-hee, at UAE Presidential Palace Library, "Expecting Expansion of Korean Books into Cultural Contents"

Meeting with Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth
Minister Al Kaabi "Will Attend Seoul International Book Fair"

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who is on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with President Yoon Suk-yeol, expressed her hope that "our books will expand into cultural content such as movies and dramas in the UAE as well."

On the 15th (local time), during a conversation with Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, at Al Watan Presidential Palace, First Lady Kim said, "I have heard that many UAE citizens have been reading Korean books recently," according to a written briefing by Chief Public Relations Officer Kim Eun-hye on the 16th.

Minister Al Kaabi, who was personally appointed as an honorary aide by President Mohamed for First Lady Kim, shared meaningful conversations as their interests were similar, Chief Kim reported. First Lady Kim toured the presidential palace and visited the presidential palace library under Minister Al Kaabi’s reception.

First Lady Kim also said, "Please show great interest in the international book fairs to be held this year in Korea and Sharjah, UAE," to which Minister Al Kaabi responded, "I am planning to definitely attend the Seoul International Book Fair this coming June."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Chief Kim explained that participation in international book fairs positively impacts the establishment of a foundation for overseas expansion of domestic publications and the formation of potential market networks, thereby pioneering the copyright export market.

Minister Al Kaabi introduced a quote from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president, engraved on an oval sculpture displayed in the central hall: "Wealth does not come from money and oil. Wealth lies in people, and if it is not used for people, it has no value."

In response, First Lady Kim evaluated, "The sculpture and the president’s words seem to make this place a more meaningful and excellent space."

Minister Al Kaabi mentioned that the UAE government has opened the presidential palace to the public for the first time several years ago and that he understands Korea’s Blue House has also been returned to the people.

First Lady Kim emphasized that not only this but also that the inaugurations of the UAE and Korean presidents were both in May, and that the two presidents are of similar age, highlighting many commonalities. She added, "When the minister visits Korea next time, I would like to introduce the Blue House to you just as you introduced it to us today."

[Image source=Yonhap News]