Nigeria, Korea to strengthen ties on culture, education

THE Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, recently signed an agreement for cultural and educational exchange programme between Nigeria and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.The ceremony, which took place in Ministers office, was expected to provide a legal framework and platform for the implementation of the earlier agreement signed in 2007.Signing on behalf of Nigerian government, Abubakar assured his Korean counterpart of an eventful relationship between both countries. I believe that both countries have so much to share and I also hope that the government of Nigeria will try as much as possible, to implement the content of the MOU towards enhancing the existing relationship.In his response, the Ambassador, Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, Ambassador Jong Hak Se, said that having collaborated with Nigeria in various fields of endeavour including economy, politics and technology, culture would not be an exception. He agreed that the recently signed agreement was aimed at consolidating those of 1977 and 2007 respectively.Noting that his government attaches great importance to culture as it does to economy, Ambassador Hak Se emphasized that culture sector should be given priority attention as it creates both spiritual and material wealth for economic growth. It is in this context that I am pleased to sign the agreement. In particular, it gives me pleasure in the context of Korea making great effort to ensure a remarkable impact in the cultural development of Korea.Adding: I make myself committed to enhancing the cultural relationship between the two countries during my tenure in office.The agreement is divided into seven basic areas including Culture and Art, Tourism, Education, Sports, Youth, Film and Broadcasting as well as Exhibition.Under Culture and Art, the parties are expected to exchange government delegations composing of three to five members to study on cultural institutions in each others country for the purpose of enhancing the capacity of their cultural experts for a period not exceeding 14 days. They are also expected to exchange artists and cooperate with each other in the field of creative industry, send cultural troupes to international art festivals taking place and organized by the other party as well as ensure that art and culture institutions in both countries make direct contacts to exchange information, publications and other works of art.
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