Sheikh FahimAl Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, recently hosted HE ChunYoung-wook, ConsulGeneral of the Republic of South Korea in Dubai, to discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations in vital sectors including economy and culture, as well as collaboration in future projects in the post-COVID-19 world.

During the meeting which took place in the presence of Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of DGR, the two sides discussed the possibility of organising a joint economic forum to explore cooperation between the two countries in various sectors. A proposal for a Sharjah delegation visit to South Korea in the first quarter of 2021 to explore partnerships in fields of mutual interest, was also made.

The discussions included the establishment of a King Sejong Cultural Institute in Sharjah to strengthen the deep-rooted ties between people of the two countries, and introduce UAE’sresidents and citizens to South Korean culture by establishing Korean language institutes in the emirate.

Sheikh Fahim stressed the depth of the relationship between the two countries in cultural and social fields, and the importance of cooperation in sectors of mutual interest, including healthcare, education and investment.

“It was a very fruitful exchange of views keeping in mind the changes that will dictate the way we operate in the post-Covid era. Creative and unconventional ideas and solutions will be required to help countries and societies to overcome the challenges we face today,” the chairman added.

“During the meeting, we discussed the feasibility of organising events and activities to strengthen and accelerate the development process in our countries, including the establishment of a South Korean cultural institute in the emirate to introduce people in the UAE to their unique traditional culture and language. This stems from our wise leadership’s belief that social exchange is a potent platform for two nations to build a mutually beneficial and sustainable future, “Sheikh Fahim concluded.

For his part, HE Chun Young-wook, lauded Sharjah’sconsistent efforts in exposing the UAE’s populace to the richness and variety of various world cultures by welcoming and encouraging the establishment of cultural centres in the emirate, in keeping with their role as an incubator of cultures.

The Department of Government Relations in Sharjah was established in 2014, following the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah, to provide the emirate and its international partners a platform for cooperation and diplomacy. As the centre of culture, education, and innovation in the UAE, the emirate’s international reach spans the globe. The department supports this outreach through representing Sharjah abroad, welcoming international delegations, and partnering with strategic cities that share the emirate’s core values.