Exhibition and Concert Marking 30th Anniversary of Korea-Egypt Diplomatic Relations Held in Cairo

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on September 11 that, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt, it will hold the exhibition of diplomatic archives titled "Ham: Embracing Togetherness" and the "Sumi Jo & Cairo Symphony Orchestra Collaboration" in Cairo, Egypt. The event is organized in partnership with the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, the Presidential Archives, major Egyptian cultural and arts institutions, and the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt.

"Ham: Embracing Togetherness" will be held at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo from today until the 28th. Seventeen items, including official documents and records chronicling the diplomatic journey between the Republic of Korea and Egypt, as well as gifts exchanged between the leaders of both countries, will be on display.

Traditionally, in Korea, a "ham" is a ceremonial box symbolizing the beginning of a new relationship and a promise. The exhibition's title, "Ham," conveys the significance of the relationship, records, cultural connections, and mutual respect between the two nations. It also invites visitors to reflect on the 30 years of shared sentiment between Korea and Egypt and to envision the journey ahead.

The exhibition is organized into three sections: "Ham of Records: Traces of Both Countries," "Ham of Connection: Papyrus and Hanji," and "Ham of Courtesy: Various Korean Ham." These sections explore the beginnings and journey of bilateral relations, as well as the cultures of both countries. The exhibition is further enriched by the participation of Korean intangible cultural heritage masters in bamboo craft, lacquerware, mother-of-pearl inlay, and contemporary craft artists.

Soprano Sumi Jo will perform for the first time in Egypt on September 12 at the Cairo Opera House, the country's premier performance venue, accompanied by the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and Choir under the baton of Ahmed El Saedi. Sumi Jo will present opera arias, Korean art songs, and special pieces selected for the Egyptian audience.

The exhibition and concert will be attended by local government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and figures from the cultural sector. In October, the government plans to further expand cultural exchanges with Egypt by participating as the guest of honor at the "Cairo International Art District," a contemporary art festival.

Yoon Yangsu, Director General for International Cultural Promotion Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "It is meaningful to present both the exhibition of diplomatic archives and Sumi Jo's first performance in Egypt to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt. We hope this event will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the friendship of the past 30 years and to broaden the horizon of cultural cooperation between our two nations."