Experience Lacquerware Making and Feeding Carp at Shukei En
Communication with Spouses of World Leaders
Broad Discussions on Food Culture, Family, and Health at Separate Luncheon
First Lady Kim Keon-hee, who visited Hiroshima, Japan, from the 19th to the 21st for a 2-night, 3-day schedule with President Yoon Suk-yeol, participated in the G7 Spouses' Program held at Shukkeien Garden (縮景園) in Hiroshima on the morning of the 21st, the presidential office spokesperson Lee Do-woon conveyed in a written briefing.
The program, hosted by Yuko Kishida, spouse of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, the chair country of the G7 Summit, was attended by spouses of leaders from the United Kingdom, Germany, the European Union (EU), Indonesia, Brazil, Comoros, and others.
First Lady Kim toured Shukkeien Garden with the spouses of the leaders and said, "The scenery is beautiful, fitting the name of a garden that miniaturizes nature."
She then participated in lacquerware making under the guidance of a craftsman, introducing efforts to preserve Korea's traditional culture, and experienced feeding koi fish, engaging in friendly conversations with the spouses about their impressions of visiting Hiroshima and the cultures of their respective countries, strengthening their friendship.
First Lady Kim also reunited with Iriana Widodo, spouse of the Indonesian President, whom she last met at the G20 Summit in November last year. Additionally, she spoke with Azali Assoumani, spouse of the Comorian President, about the importance of education for women and children and agreed to continue cooperation.
After the spouses' program concluded, First Lady Kim shared a separate friendly luncheon with Mrs. Kishida at a restaurant in Hiroshima city.
The spokesperson added that Mrs. Kishida personally arranged this luncheon, recalling that during the state dinner at the presidential residence when Prime Minister Kishida and his spouse visited Korea on the 7th and 8th, First Lady Kim expressed anticipation for Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
First Lady Kim expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Kishida for thoughtfully preparing the spouses' program and inviting her to the luncheon, saying, "It is even more meaningful to visit Hiroshima, the hometown of you and Prime Minister Kishida."
Mrs. Kishida said, "I am pleased to introduce Hiroshima through this G7 Summit," and explained Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki to First Lady Kim. The two spouses enjoyed the okonomiyaki together and discussed various topics, including the previous day's G7 Summit friendly dinner, the food cultures of both countries, family, pets, health management, and hobbies.
First Lady Kim said, "From March until now, in just two months, the leaders and their spouses of Korea and Japan have met face-to-face three times," adding, "As we meet often and share our hearts, I hope the peoples of both countries will also engage in closer exchanges."
In response, Mrs. Kishida agreed, saying they should continue to visit each other frequently and maintain rich exchanges.
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