Minister St-Onge signs a memorandum of understanding
with the Republic of Korea for the Year of Cultural Exchanges
2024–2025.
OTTAWA,
ON, June 25, 2024 /CNW/ - The Government of
Canada is committed to further
strengthening its longstanding relationship with the Republic of
Korea by and celebrating our artists, creative professionals and
athletes.
The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage,
and YU In Chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the
Republic of Korea, reinforced the enduring friendship of the two
countries by signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the Year
of Cultural Exchanges 2024–2025.
In September 2022, the Right
Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and Republic of Korea President
Yoon Suk Yeol officially declared
2024–2025 as the Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchanges. This
initiative helps mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between the two countries.
Over the years, our countries have achieved great things
together, notably through the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement and
the Canada-Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This
partnership has allowed Canada and
the Republic of Korea to reach many important milestones, including
in culture. The new Canada-Republic of Korea Youth Mobility
Arrangement will further contribute to these efforts by encouraging
mutual understanding between young people and helping shape future
generations through shared values and a global outlook. As part of
this year, the two governments are also working to sign a
modernized coproduction agreement that will deepen the strong
partnership in the audiovisual industries.
With today's signing, Canada
and the Republic of Korea now have a framework to ensure the
success of this initiative. The goal is to encourage more
meaningful dialogue and connections. In this respect, this year
also supports a key pillar of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, investing in
and connecting people.
Artists, creative professionals and athletes from both countries
play a huge role in promoting shared interests and values around
the world. In Canada, the cultural
sector is a $54.8-billion industry,
employing more than 634,000 Canadians. Beyond this economic impact,
this industry plays a vital role in telling our stories and
expressing our diversity, values and identity.
The Year of Cultural Exchanges is a time to celebrate the
artistic, creative, athletic and intellectual accomplishments of
the two countries. This year will allow Canadians to discover
vibrant Korean culture, as well as to promote cultural diversity
and inclusion.
Quotes
"Canada's thriving relationship
with the Republic of Korea is marked by our shared commitment to
the arts, culture, creativity, sport and innovation. As we begin
this exciting venture, I look forward to the remarkable
achievements we can accomplish together."
—The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian
Heritage
"Our two countries have enjoyed close co-operation in many
fields, including politics and economics, over the past 60 years. I
hope that the next two years of the Year of Cultural Exchanges will
be an opportunity to discover and embrace new cultural diversity
between our two countries."
—YU In Chon, Minister Culture, Sports and Tourism for the
Republic of Korea
Associated Links
Leaders' Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 60th
Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between the Republic of Korea
and Canada: Stronger Together for
the Next 60 years
The Republic of Korea and Canada:
Stronger Together - Joint Leaders' Statement
Taleeb Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary of the Minister of
Canadian Heritage, led a creative industries delegation to expand
business opportunities with South
Korea
Minister Ng strengthens trade relations with Republic of Korea
through Team Canada Trade Mission
Canada-Republic of Korea
relations
SOURCE Canadian Heritage