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

The culture ministers of Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have affirmed bilateral trust and friendship despite the postponement of cultural exchange events due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on May 26 said Minister Park Yang-woo sent on May 21 a congratulatory video message to United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development Noura Al Kaabi on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, the biggest Muslim holiday.

Minister Al Kaabi on May 23 thanked Minister Park for the message, saying on social media, "We are proud of 40 years of diplomatic relations with Korea. Our cultural dialogue brings our people closer."

Both ministers in December last year designated 2020 as the year of cultural dialogue between the two countries to commemorate the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties and strengthen cultural cooperation.

Cultural events initially planned for this year's first half, however, were canceled or postponed due to COVID-19. Minister Park in April extended the year of bilateral cultural exchange to 2021 and decided to focus on continuous exchange in the sector.

Minister Park said, "The congratulatory video message is founded on the deep friendship and trust between the culture ministers of the two countries."

"I hope the videoconference (in April) and this video message will be even a little help to bilateral cultural exchange and amity between the two countries amid difficulties from COVID-19."

kyd1991@korea.kr