Pak-Korea Enhanced Cooperation – Week of Celebration Underway

Islamabad, (TDI): There is increasing cooperation between Pakistan and Republic of Korea (South Korea). Along side, Republic of Korea’s cultural week is underway in Islamabad with full of activities.

As Pakistan and South Korea stand at the crossroads of a new phase in their bilateral relations on this South Korean Day, it is indeed worthwhile to look back at the bilateral relationship between the Republic of South Korea and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Since 1983, the two states have maintained diplomatic relations characterized by mutual cooperation in a number of sectors, such as trade, culture, and education.

This has been a very fruitful relationship manifested through several cultural endowments and cooperation that has benefited both societies and prompted People-to-people relations.

1.1 Milestones in Bilateral Relations:

Diplomatic Establishment (1983)

The initiation of diplomatic relations signified the first step in recognizing one another and paving the way for possible friendly foreign relations. It paved the way for future negotiations on political relationships and collaboration which aim at the realization of the overall interest as well as regional security and political stability.

Korea-Pakistan Trade Agreement (2001)

The two countries signed a Trade Agreement in 2001 to enhance cooperation and decrease tariffs for the exchange of goods. This agreement helped to increase export and import facilities and a great boost to trading volume. Currently at the end of 2022 the two countries’ trade volume has been estimated to be about $ 1.2 billion proving the economic value of the partnership.

Korea-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Agreement (2006)

This agreement was signed with the objectives of deepening trade relations and promoting investments. It has catalyzed joint ventures in fields like textiles, electronics and construction which have helped in employment generation and diffusion of technology.

Cultural Exchanges

The activities and exchanges like Korea Pakistan Friendship Year 2007 and Cultural Exchange Program have enhanced goodwill between the two countries. For instance, art exhibitions featuring culture from Pakistan and South Korean artists have also been conducted allowing the citizens to engage in relishing each other’s cultural roots. Such events as the Korean Wave Festival have attracted a lot of public attention contributing to stronger cultural relations.

Educational Initiatives & Training Initiatives

Korean Government Scholarship Program can allow a number of Pakistani students to continue their education in South Korea. Currently, over 1000 students from Pakistan are studying in Korean universities as it strengthens the bond and the partnership they have with one another after their learning years. Annually, the Korean government trains several hundred officials. These training sessions are a fundamental component of KOICA’s ODA initiatives aimed at enhancing government departments through human resource development and the exchange of Korean development experiences. KOICA is organizing training programs aimed at Pakistani attendees. namely, fiscal management and reforms, healthcare policy and program administration, information technology development policy, women’s economic empowerment, education policy (planning and implementation), advanced tax administration, etc. Annually, a substantial contingent of government professionals from many public sectors, including health, finance, education, information technology, tax administration, and governance, are invited to Korea by KOICA to exchange experiences and enhance their competencies.

Joint celebrations

Friendly events like the Korea-Pakistan Friendship Day dated back to 2006, can easily explain similarities in both countries’ histories and values. Such celebrations include cultural dances, and foods, and discourses hence promoting interaction between culture and the youth enhancing people to people diplomacy.

1.2 Aid Grant Projects by South Korea to Pakistan:

The Korean government, via its aid agency KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency), has sought to support and assist developing nations globally, including Pakistan.

KOICA’s initiatives in Pakistan have concentrated on vocational skills development, education, health, and water and sanitation sectors.

Source: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/pk-en/wpge/m_3162/contents.do 

1.3 Korea Week 2024 by Korean Embassy in Pakistan:

Korea Week 2024, organized by the Korean Embassy in Pakistan, is expected to profoundly elevate the diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

This weeklong celebration aims to foster mutual appreciation and cultivate friendships through a series of activities designed to highlight the rich cultural heritage of both countries.

In addition, Korea Week 2024, which will take place in Islamabad, will unite diplomats, cultural ambassadors, and individuals from both nations to commemorate the relationship’s rich history and promising future.

Read More: South Korean Ambassador stresses boasting trade with Pakistan

A National Foundation Day party, a culture gala, a movie day, and the much-anticipated Korean Ambassador National Taekwondo Championship are planned for this week.

This ceremony celebrates the past and fosters trade, education, and culture exchange partnerships.

1.3.1 The Power of Bilateral Relations

Over the time, Pakistan-South Korea ties have grown since 1983 into a multifaceted alliance. The two countries have collaborated on economic issues, cultural trips, and educational programs for years.

Diplomatic efforts have continually strengthened, culminating in significant agreements like the Korea-Pakistan Trade Agreement (2001) and the Korea-Pakistan Economic Cooperation Agreement (2006).

These agreements have strengthened commerce between the two countries, allowed knowledge sharing, corporate collaboration, and job creation in electronics and textiles.

Both countries are determined to improve their political, economic, and cultural ties, thus this connection will certainly deepen.

Cultural and educational exchanges that have helped both countries accept and understand each other are more essential than numbers and economic treaties.

1.3.2 The Opening Ceremony: 

The week-long celebration begins on October 22nd with a formal reception to commemorate Korea’s National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day.

This ceremony at the Korean Ambassador’s residence honors South Korea’s historic history and strategic and diplomatic connections with Pakistan.

There will be significant figures in Pakistan’s political and cultural life as well as diplomats from both nations.

The evening will feature stirring national anthems from both countries, performed by the Green Birds Choir and Korean classical vocalist Ms. Hee Min Kim, symbolizing the harmony between the two nations.

The celebration will also feature comments discussing the partnership’s successes and future goals.

1.3.3 Korea-Pakistan Cultural Gala:

On October 23, the Liaquat Gymnasium in Islamabad will host a Korea-Pakistan Cultural Gala. This may be Korea Week’s most anticipated event.

“Symphony of Inspiring Friendship and Cooperation,” the gala’s theme, suits really well and applies to the theme of the event.

It celebrates bilateral unity with spectacular performances.

Additionally, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Park Kijun will greet the guests. The distinguished Chief Guest will then congratulate. The event will then be divided into three portions.

Each will showcase a distinct aspect of Korea and Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage:

• Part I: Uniting Cultures Through Martial Arts Mastery
  The world-renowned Pakistan National Taekwondo Team and Korea’s Kukkiwon Taekwondo Demonstration Team will perform a dazzling martial arts exhibition. This section shows how both countries value discipline, tradition, and respect.
• Part II: Rhythm of Cooperation Between Korea and Pakistan
  Korea’s FusionMC will do a B-Boying concert, the National Performing Arts Group will perform traditional Pakistani folk music, and the Khumariyaan Band will perform modern Pakistani folk music. Each show will demonstrate how cultural diplomacy can unite people.
• Part III: Melodic Echoes of Friendship
  Mr. Uzair Jaswal will delight listeners with Pakistani pop music, while Ms. Hee Min Kim from Korea will sing classical vocals in the grand finale. Ms. Hee Min Kim and Mr. Uzair Jaswal will perform at night, demonstrating how two complimentary cultures may function together.

1.3.4 Korea-Pakistan Movie Day

Furthermore, during Korea Week, watching movies—sometimes referred to as “mirrors of society”—is another wonderful opportunity for individuals of many cultural backgrounds to connect with one another.

The Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) will host Japan-Pakistan Movie Day October 24, 26, and 27. The event will feature screenings of famous films from both countries to demonstrate how human experiences are similar. Ode to My Father, a 2014 Korean classic, is shown.

The Korean War narrative of a family’s strength is touching. These will be shown with Pakistan’s top films, such as Nayab (2024), about a young woman who defies gender standards to play cricket for her country, and Superstar (2019), about the cost of fame.

Subsequently, these films teach viewers about both countries’ cultures and societies.

1.3.5 17th Korean Ambassador Senior National & Cadet National Taekwondo Championship

In addition, from October 23rd to October 29th, the 17th Korean Ambassador Senior National & Cadet National Taekwondo Championship will be held at Liaquat Gymnasium. 

Top Pakistani sportsmen will participate in different weight classes to demonstrate their traditional Korean martial arts talents at this significant event.

The competition will feature Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Police teams. An exciting display of athleticism, discipline, and sportsmanship is expected.

It illustrates Pakistan’s growing interest in Taekwondo. It further illustrates the solidity and strength of the diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Korea.

1.4 A Future of Shared Vision and Prosperity

As Korea Week 2024 draws to a close, it is important to reflect on the broader implications of such events.

The fact that South Korea and Pakistan collaborated on this cultural exchange week shows that both nations share future ambitions.

These occurrences remind us that diplomacy is about understanding and connecting people, not just forging political bargains.

In addition, It also depicts that Pakistan and Korea want peace, prosperity, and cultural understanding. They come from similar places and want the same things.

These week-long activities depict and give us a lesson of what can happen when countries work together and respect each other.

In the words of Ban Ki-moon, “To build a better world, we must work together.” As we look to the future, Pakistan and South Korea are ready to keep making the world a better place for friendship, culture, and tact.