Bonds b/w Pak-Korea always been characterized by mutual respect & admiration for each other’s cultural ethos: Jamal Shah

ISLAMABAD, Oct 21 (SABAH): Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah has said that bonds between Pakistan and Korea have always been characterized by mutual respect and admiration for each other’s cultural ethos.

Addressing Migrant Multicultural Festival (MAMF) 2023 being held in Changwon city of South Korea  from October 20 to 22,  the Minister said that our Cultural Art Troupe from Pakistan and the Korean Performance Team are here as performers and ambassadors of their respective rich traditions and heritage. “I am immensely pleased to be part of this special cultural concert – a highlight of the Migrant Arrirang Multi-Cultural Festival 2023, in the dynamic city of Changwon”,.

Jamal Shah said that they carry with them stories of their land, tales of their people and spirit of their traditions, adding that through the universal language of music and dance, they will weave together narratives of two great nations, evoking emotions that transcend borders. He said that this special event promises to be an enchanting blend of traditional rhythms and melodies, bringing the cultures of Pakistan and Korea together. He said that Pak-Korea cultural exchanges date back hundreds of years.

“Buddhism and its rich tapestry of traditions and life lessons was brought to the ancient Baekje Kingdom, from what is now Pakistan, by Monk Maranantha almost two millennia ago”, he added and today we witness this bond come alive again, as our artists take center stage.

He said that while we are on the topic of cultural exchanges, I am excited to share another delightful piece of news, adding that in the spirit of reciprocity and to further fortify our cultural ties, we have also invited Korean Cultural and Art Troupe to visit and perform in Pakistan.

“We eagerly await their visit. It will be an opportunity for the people of Pakistan to experience the rich traditions of art and culture from Korea, just as we share our own with you tonight”, he said. The Minister appreciated the organizers of MAMF, the City Government of Changwon, and all individuals and institutions that have made this possible.

“Through such platforms, we sow the seeds of lasting friendship, promoting harmony, understanding, and unity amongst nations” he said. MAMF is the largest cultural diversity festival in South Korea celebrating its 18th anniversary at Changwon Yongi Cultural Park and Seogsan Art Hall.

The countries from all over Asia including Pakistan carrying different cultures, heritage and values are participating in the diverse festival MAMF 2023. Pakistan is leading MAMF 2023 with theme “Pakistan Zindabad” Means “Long Live Pakistan” presenting its cultural beauty and values through traditional clothes, accessories, Henna, Traditional music like Dhol, Anthem, Zindabad and traditional dance performance like Bhangra, Dhamal, Luddi and so on.