South Korea hails Zambia for cultural diversity
By staff reporter
SOUTH-KOREA says Zambia is growing, not only in population, but also in political, cultural and economic aspects.
Meanwhile, tourism minister Dr Charles Banda says because of the dynamism of culture, people of different cultures should come together and exchange their ways of life through music and dance.
Meanwhile, tourism minister Dr Charles Banda says because of the dynamism of culture, people of different cultures should come together and exchange their ways of life through music and dance.
South-Korea designate Ambassador to Zambia Cho Jai Chel said Zambia was a country with “a beauty of unity” where 72 tribes have peacefully achieved democracy and socio-economic development in harmony.
The Embassy of South Korea is located in Harare, Zimbabwe and has extra representation to Zambia and Malawi.
Beautiful Mind Charity (BMC) is a philanthropic ensemble of South Koreans that aims to share love with the people around the world, particularly with the less privileged through diverse cultural activities.
Beautiful Mind Charity (BMC) is a philanthropic ensemble of South Koreans that aims to share love with the people around the world, particularly with the less privileged through diverse cultural activities.
The BMC performed at the 2019 Korea-Zambia celebratory concert at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Tuesday evening.
Ambassador Cho spoke at the event, attended mainly by South Koreans.
“It is indeed a great pleasure to hold this Beautiful Mind concert in this beautiful Zambia. Zambia is a country with a beautiful nature such as the Victoria falls, Zambezi river and the South Luangwa National Park. This is also a country with a beauty of unity where 72 tribes have been peacefully achieving democracy and socio-economic development through harmony,” Ambassador Cho said.
“Zambia is growing not only in the area of population but also in all aspects, including politics, economy and culture. In this country of beauty, I have the honour to introduce the Beautiful Mind musicians present today.”
He indicated that the BMC had a message of love and friendship, through their music, around the world in more than 80 countries, more than 420 performances, “including a celebratory concert at the United Nations head quarters in New York and also at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.”
“At today’s concert, Beautiful Mind Charity will show you the outstanding combination of Korean traditional musical instruments and Western-style music….” noted Ambassador Cho, adding that the Korean people still remembered “the beautiful people of Zambia” through the Chipolopolo boys Under – 20 team that went to South Korea for the World Cup two years ago.”
“I hope this friendship concert will strengthen further the close bond of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. May the beauty of Korean music touch your hearts and bring us joy. Dzikomo kwambiri (thank you so much).”
Meanwhile, Dr Banda, who was the guest of honour, pointed out that Zambia enjoyed cordial bilateral relations in the fields of arts and culture with the Republic of Korea because: “we feel that Zambian people are part and parcel of the global community.”
“It is an important day for the cultural and creative industries in Zambia because the Republic of Korea has bridged the gap between cultures for peace, stability and development,” Dr Banda observed.
“Culture is dynamic and therefore, it is important that people of different cultures should come together and exchange their ways of life through music and dance. We cherish cultural diversity because we know that it is only through the recognition and respect for other people’s cultural values that we can effectively develop our nations and the world as a whole.”
The minister noted that 2019 marked the 29th anniversary of Zambia and Korea diplomatic relations, which were established on September 4, 1990.
He added that the friendship concert was timely as it came at a time when interest of Korea in Zambia and vice-versa was increasing.
“This is through the Embassy of Zambia in Seoul, Korea. Zambia is making concerted efforts to strengthen tourism and cultural awareness of both countries,” said Dr Banda.
“I would like to extend gratitude to the Embassy of Korea in Zimbabwe for organising the event and the Beautiful Mind Charity for travelling many miles to Lusaka. I hope that one day soon we’ll see the Korean Embassy opening its doors on the Zambia soil. You’ll be received with both hands.”
