Korea and Italy sign MOU for cultural exchange

Korea and Italy signed an agreement to carry out the "2024–2025 Korea–Italy Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange" to mark 140 years of diplomatic relations. The exchange includes cultural programs to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon, left, shakes hands with Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international cooperation, after signing a memorandum of understanding in Rome on May 3. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy on May 3 signed a memorandum of understanding at the ministry's building in Rome, in a bid to successfully carry out the “2024–2025 Korea–Italy Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange,” which marks the 140 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Italy.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon met with Maria Tripodi, undersecretary of state to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international cooperation, on Friday and signed the agreement. The two briefly shared their views on the upcoming programs, which begins with an opening performance presented by the National Gugak Center on Saturday evening at the Teatro Argentina in Rome.

Culture Minister Yu In-chon, left, signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Maria Tripodi, Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on May 3 in Rome. [MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM]

“I believe tomorrow’s traditional performance by Korea here in Rome not only signals the start of the ‘2024–2025 Korea–Italy Year of Mutual Cultural Exchange’ but also the beginning of true mutual exchanges of diverse cultures of the two countries,” Tripodi said. “As we carry on this mutual exchange of culture, I believe it will strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

“Culture is highly regarded in Italy,” Tripodi continued, adding that it is “important to share Italian culture in a country like Korea, a country that plays an important role in Asia.”

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]