South Korean troupe mesmerises audience

A traditional Korean performing arts troupe mesmerised the audience at a cultural show in Rawalpindi. The performance was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) to strengthen cultural links between the people of Korea and Pakistan.

Minister of State for Climate Change Zartaj Gul was invited as the chief guest. Also in attendance were Ambassador Kwak Sung Kyun, Punjab Council of the Arts Executive Director Saman Rai, Jeollabuk-do Provincial Institute for Korean Traditional Performing Arts Director Lee Tae-Geun and RAC Director Waqar Ahmed.

The troupe of 15 artists participated in six performances that included traditional Korean folk music and Pakistani music, Korean traditional chamber music, a film music medley and more. They received a standing ovation at the end of the show.

Ms Gul said the event was a blessing for the cultural exchange programme between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.

“Pakistan and South Korea have strong bilateral diplomatic relationships and cultural ties. We must continue to work hard to promote cooperation and strengthen cultural ties between Korea and Pakistan in the future,” she said.

Ambassador Kwak Sung Kyu said he hoped to see an increasing number of cultural exchanges and events in the days to come.

“I wish today’s performance would be instrumental in bonding two peoples and enhancing the understanding of each other,” he said.

Malaysian National Day celebrated

High Commissioner of Malaysia Ikram Mohammad Ibrahim hosted a reception to celebrate the 62nd national day of his country at Serena Hotel.

Numerous guests from the diplomatic corps, civil society and the business community attended the event.
The chief guest on the occasion was Federal Minister for Planning and Development Khusro Bakhtiar.

High Commissioner Ibrahim spoke of the warm and expanding relations between Pakistan and Malaysia and the interest that the Malaysian businessmen had in exploring opportunities in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s national carrier PIA had started direct flights to Malaysia earlier in the week.

Federal Minister Khusro Bakhtiar praised Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahatir Mohammad for his visionary leadership and said the prime ministers of both countries were committed to promoting bilateral cooperation, trade and investment.

Malaysia’s progress in the fields of tourism and manufacturing was highlighted as was the diversity and harmony in the country. National anthems of both nations were played followed by a cake cutting ceremony.

Independence Day of Turkmenistan observed

Ambassador of Turkmenistan and the current Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Atadjan Movlamov hosted a reception to celebrate the 28th independence day of the Republic of Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by people from all sectors of society with numerous notable government officials, businessmen and ambassadors including the chief guest Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Maulana Noorul Haq Qadri.

Turkmenistan and Pakistan enjoy excellent bilateral relations particularly with the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline project underway.

National anthems of both countries were played and a cake was cut with the dignitaries. The conversations among the guests focused on the British royal visit and Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s march to Islamabad.

The guests were served with the local cuisine from Turkmenistan.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2019