Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Yang-woo (right) on Jan. 20 shakes hands with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura Al Kaabi after announcing the symbol, the slogan and the main goals for 2020, the Year of Korea-UAE Cultural Exchange.

By Kim Young Deok and Lee Jihae
Photos = Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Jan. 20 announced the symbol, the slogan and the main goals for 2020, the Year of Korea-UAE Cultural Exchange.

The symbol displays the colors of the two countries' flags to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties. The slogan "Converging Cultures" reflects the two governments' desire for further exchange of and development in culture between both sides.

Among the main projects are a K-pop concert in Abu Dhabi in June and screenings of Korean films and Hallyu (Korean Wave) exhibitions in the UAE. The Mideast nation this year will hold 13 events on Korean culture including a ceramics exhibition in February, an extravaganza of contemporary Korean art in July and a taekwondo performance in October.

"I hope the 'year of bilateral cultural exchange' is successfully pushed for and the people of both countries can better understand each other's cultures and become happier," Minister Park said.

"I hope the two countries actively cooperate not only in culture but in all fields and for 2020 to become a turning point for both countries to newly develop bilateral relations."

Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Jan. 20 decided on the slogan "Converging Cultures," to reflect the two governments' desire for further bilateral exchange of and development in culture.