The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on the 11th that, together with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, the Presidential Archives, major Egyptian culture and arts institutions, and the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt, it will hold the bilateral diplomatic records exhibition "Ham: Containing togetherness" and the "Cho Sumi–Cairo Symphony collaboration" in and around Cairo, Egypt, to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Egypt.
At "Ham: Containing togetherness," visitors can see 17 official documents and records tracing the diplomatic journey of the Republic of Korea and Egypt, as well as gifts exchanged between the two countries' leaders, alongside Korea crafts. In particular, the exhibition is organized into three sections so visitors can look at the beginning and the journey of bilateral relations and the cultures of both countries: "Box of records: Footprints of the two countries," "Box of consolidation: Papyrus and hanji," and "Box containing propriety (ye): Various Korean boxes." Korea intangible cultural heritage artisans in bamboo strip craft and lacquer, mother-of-pearl artisans, and contemporary craft artists are joining the exhibition to add meaning. The exhibition runs from Sept. 11 to 28 at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo.
In addition, the "Cho Sumi–Cairo Symphony collaboration" will also take place. On Sept. 12, soprano Cho Sumi will give her first performance in Egypt at the Cairo Opera House, the country's premier venue, together with the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Ahmed El Saedi. The collaboration will feature not only opera arias but also Korean art songs and special pieces for Egyptian audiences. Cho will also perform with Reda El Wakil, principal bass of the Cairo Opera Company, and tenor Amr Medhat.
Government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and cultural figures on site will attend the exhibition and performance. In October, Korea will participate as the guest of honor in the contemporary art festival "Cairo International Art District" to expand cultural exchanges with Egypt.
Yun Yang-su, director general for International Cultural Promotion Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, "We are honored to present the exhibition of bilateral diplomatic records and soprano Cho Sumi's first performance in Egypt to mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Egypt," adding, "We hope this event will commemorate the friendship of the past 30 years between the two countries and serve as an opportunity to broaden the horizons of cultural cooperation in the future."