September 25-26, Samarkand, Uzbekistan's Second Largest City and Cultural Capital
Film Screening, Commemorative Concert, and Busan Promotion Event Lay Foundation for Friendly Cooperation
Busan Metropolitan City held the "Busan-Samarkand Friendship and Cooperation City 1st Anniversary Event" in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, over two days from the 25th to the 26th.
This special event was organized to commemorate both the visit of the "Eurasia Urban Diplomacy Delegation"?a public diplomacy delegation dispatched to promote "Global Hub City Busan" domestically and internationally?on its third stop in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, and the first anniversary of the friendship and cooperation agreement between the two cities.
The event was hosted and organized by the city and the Busan Global City Foundation (CEO Jeon Yongwoo).
First, on September 25, together with the Busan Cinema Center (CEO Kim Jinhae), a "Busan Film Screening" was held at the Sharq Yulduzi Theater in Samarkand.
By screening the film "Rebound" (2023), which tells the touching true story of the Busan Jungang High School basketball team, the event not only delivered a moving experience but also provided an opportunity for local citizens to feel a closer connection to Busan.
After the screening, more than 300 citizens filled the theater and responded enthusiastically with a standing ovation.
On the following day, September 26, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, a joint "Busan-Samarkand Friendship and Cooperation City 1st Anniversary Concert" was held at the Samarkand State Musical Drama Theater, featuring performing arts groups from both cities for about two hours.
Representing Busan, about 30 members of the Busan Metropolitan Chorus (Artistic Director Lee Kiseon) performed not only Korean art songs and a medley of folk songs, but also popular Uzbek songs such as "Uchquduq" and "Spring Sings from the Heart," delivering unforgettable emotion to the citizens of Samarkand.
From the Samarkand side, a cultural and arts troupe responded with traditional Uzbek dances and K-POP dance performances, creating a moment where the two cities became one through music.
In addition, as a pre-event to the film screening and concert, the young members of the "Eurasia Urban Diplomacy Delegation" hosted a Busan promotion event.
Local residents participated in Korean cultural experiences, games, and events prepared by the delegation members themselves, enjoying a time of joyful communication and exchange.
Alongside these events, Lee Junseung, Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs of Busan, and Fazliddin Umarov, Mayor of Samarkand, held a meeting at Samarkand City Hall.
Expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality shown to the "Eurasia Urban Diplomacy Delegation," the two leaders discussed future plans for active exchanges in various fields such as culture, tourism, education, and economy, building on the 1,400-year history of interaction between Korea and Samarkand along the Silk Road.
Lee Junseung, Deputy Mayor for Administrative Affairs, stated, "Samarkand is the second largest city in Uzbekistan and a historic city whose entire area is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site," and added, "This 1st anniversary event will serve as a foundation for further strengthening the friendship and cooperation between the two cities based on our cultural and historical ties."
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