First Lady Kim Geon-hee Attends Traditional Cultural Event with Uzbek President's Wife

"Tightly Collaborate for Mutual Growth Expectations"

First Lady Kim Keon-hee and Giroat Mirziyoyeva, spouse of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, are taking a commemorative photo with participants of the spouse cultural program on the morning of the 14th (local time) at the 'Khiva' Hall (cultural event venue) of the Presidential Palace in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the morning of the 14th (local time), First Lady Kim Keon-hee of President Yoon Suk-yeol spent time socializing with Mrs. Giroat Mirziyoyeva, the First Lady of Uzbekistan, at the State Guest House of the Cook Saroy Presidential Palace and attended a traditional Uzbek cultural event personally prepared by Mrs. Mirziyoyeva.

Mrs. Shahnoza Mirziyoyeva, the eldest daughter of Mrs. Mirziyoyeva who has lived in Korea for over six years and has a special connection with Korea, also made a surprise appearance at the event to welcome Mrs. Kim's visit, according to a written briefing by presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung.

Mrs. Kim said, "I have heard that there are many similarities in culture and temperament between Korea and Uzbekistan, and I hope that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely and grow together." In response, Mrs. Mirziyoyeva said, "The local media have been reporting daily on President Yoon and his wife's visit," adding, "This is proof that the people of Uzbekistan have long awaited the visit of President Yoon and his wife."

Following this, Mrs. Kim attended the Uzbek cultural event prepared by Mrs. Mirziyoyeva, who is well-versed in culture. Mrs. Kim appreciated traditional crafts such as pottery, woodworking, and embroidery made by Uzbek artisans, and watched a traditional Uzbek dance performance, gaining a deeper understanding of Uzbek culture.

In particular, when Mrs. Kim praised the traditional Uzbek embroidery called 'suzanni' as "very delicate and beautiful," Mrs. Mirziyoyeva encouraged her to try on a garment embroidered with suzanni to experience Uzbek culture firsthand, and Mrs. Kim tried on the traditional costume.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Mirziyoyeva expressed strong sympathy for Mrs. Kim's longstanding advocacy for animal protection and conveyed Uzbekistan's intention to actively participate in protecting animals such as abandoned dogs in the future. Mrs. Mirziyoyeva added, "Korean culture is very popular in Uzbekistan, and there is a great affinity for Korea," and "I myself am very interested in Korean culture and Korean products."