The need to further establish and reinforce the mutual cultural relationship that exists between the South Korea and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Federal Government of Nigeria that dates back to 2010 should be explored for the mutual cultural benefits for both countries.
The Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, stated this when the Ambassador of the Republic of South Korea to Nigeria, Ambassador Kim Young Chae, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
Runsewe noted that Nigeria has benefitted a lot from the mutual relationship with South Korea in areas of education, poverty eradication, trade and many more, adding that trade between the two countries, as at 2011, was well over $3 million dollars.
At the meeting held at the NCAC headquarters in the nation’s capital, Otunba Runsewe informed the South Korean Ambassador on the forthcoming programme of NCAC called the International Arts and Crafts Expo (INAC),seeking the participation of South Korea.
He also sought partnership with the Republic of South Korea in organizing a joint exhibition in Nigeria and in South Korea noting that this will be very rewarding to both countries.
Responding, Ambassador Kim Young Chae stated that the Embassy of South Korea will be interested in joint programme for school children and other cultural programmes that will make Koreans understand Nigerians better. He proposed a joint food festival as well as Arts and Crafts exhibition later in the year.
On capacity building, Otunba Runsewe emphasised the need for capacity building for NCAC staff on seminars, workshop and conferences on arts and culture, festivals, exchange visits and exhibitions between South Korea and NCAC.
The Ambassador revealed that the Korean cultural centre will soon be upgraded so that NCAC can use it to project Nigerian films and programmes.
He promised to work with NCAC to achieve a sustainable mutual understanding between South Korea and Nigeria.
