Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, received a delegation from South Korea’s King Sejong Institute to strengthen existing ties and build new bridges of collaboration in sectors of mutual interest between Sharjah and cities in the East Asian nation.

The delegation, comprising Choi Young-joon, Deputy Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Jeong JongKwon, Director General of King Sejong Institute Business Division, and Han AhYoung, Assistant Manager of King Sejong Institute Support Team, visited Sharjah in response to an invitation extended by DGR earlier this year.

During the meeting at DGR’s headquarters, the two parties discussed economic cooperation and highlighted ways to strengthen bilateral relations in the cultural and scientific fields. They also explored collaboration prospects between Sharjah and King Sejong Institute, a Korean language institute, and shone light on the vibrant cultural legacy of the East Asian country in over 80 countries. The two sides also discussed developing foreign affairs strategies and policies.

Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi noted that the visit of the delegation paves the way for new collaboration opportunities between the emirate and cities in South Korea.

He said: “Opening doors to communication and cooperation between countries and cities is a testament to the common values that bind cultures and people. Exploring opportunities with South Korea reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to introduce the Emirati and Arab cultures to the world through building bridges between nations through knowledge, arts and books, in addition to economic cooperation in sectors as varied as investment, education and many others.”

During their visit, DGR organised a tour for the South Korean delegation to several cultural landmarks in the emirate, including the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, which houses and displays antiques and antiquities dating back to the pre-Islamic era.

The delegation also toured the House of Wisdom, where they were briefed on the unique features of the futuristic library and social hub. The guests were introduced to the various amenities and facilities offered at the cultural edifice and briefed on the cultural events and activities organised throughout the year, in addition to its collection of rare and valuable books in different domains.

The South Korean delegation concluded their tour with a visit to the University of Sharjah, where they were updated on its diverse faculties and research facilities.

The visit was aimed at discussing the participation of South Korea, represented by King Sejong Institute, in Sharjah’s new upcoming cultural centre which is being established in partnership with the British Council, Alliance Française, and Goethe-Institut.

The King Sejong Institute Foundation is a nonprofit public institution established in 2007 and named after Sejong the Great, the inventor of the Korean alphabet.