Friendship with Kazakhstan Strengthened Over Long Years... Further Enhancing Cooperation for Prosperity

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the evening of the 17th, President Moon Jae-in held a welcoming dinner at the Blue House State Guest House for Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, and said, "I hope that as Korea and Kazakhstan celebrate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, cooperation for friendship and prosperity will be further strengthened."

In his dinner speech, President Moon said, "The ancestors of Korea and Kazakhstan have traded and shared cultures along the Silk Road from ancient times, and have walked similar paths toward independence and economic development," adding, "Over the long years, the friendship between the two countries has grown strong."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Tokayev, in his reply speech, emphasized, "Korea and Kazakhstan are destined friends. We have brought the remains of General Hong Beom-do, a national hero of the Korean Peninsula, back to his homeland, and in Seoul, a bust of the great Kazakh poet Abai has been erected," stressing, "These acts will strengthen the spiritual bond between the two nations."

The dinner menu included saedang bibimbap symbolizing harmony and fusion, chicken breast mustard cold salad, tarak pine nut porridge, five-color japchae and kimchi pancake, and grilled croaker with soybean paste.

At the dinner performance, the National Gugak Center's creative orchestra and Kazakh violinist Sadkova Venera performed together under the baton of Kazakh conductor Ayan Amangeldinov.

The pieces performed were "Tugan Zher," expressing patriotism and pride toward Kazakhstan, which became a new home for the Koryo-saram, and "Arirang," embodying the spirit of the Korean people, which the Koryo-saram often sang.

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