Cultural event and a great concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Korea took place in Gabala.

On September 18 a cultural event and a great concert dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Korea took place at Heydar Aliyev Congress Center in Gabala city. With joint organizational support of the Azerbaijan-Korean Cultural Exchange Association SEBA (Seoul-Baku) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in our country, traditional Korean music performances, dances, clothes, athletic movements, rhythm and gestures have been demonstrated on the cultural festival titled “Arirang” – “Inflame Azerbaijan’s heart”. During the festival which was dedicated to the 25 years of friendship, Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Vice-President of the World Taekwondo Federation Kamaladdin Heydarov, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan Kim Chang-gyu, Head of the Gabala Region Executive Power Sabuhi Abdullayev and General Director of World Taekwondo Federation Academy Hong Il Hwa made speeches. The speakers noted that the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Azerbaijan made a great progress in the history of political cooperation within the last 25 years. Both countries have continuously improved the relationships in the political, economical, cultural and other fields. The Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov spoke about the development of taekwondo in Azerbaijan and the achieved successes, and highly appreciated the importance of holding such cultural events in order to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. Kamaladdin Heydarov said that Korea's national sport Taekwondo is popular in Azerbaijan, so that children, teenagers and young people are very interested in this sport, and they won in several international competitions. The Ambassador Kim Chang-gyu said that, in the future, the Korean government intends to share its experiences and technology in the field of economic development, and further contribute to economic development of Azerbaijan. He noted that, Azerbaijan and Korean nations have many traditions and life style in common as they belong to the Altaic language family. Head of Gabala Region Executive Power Sabuhi Abdullayev on his speech mentioned the completion of 25 years of relations between Azerbaijan and Korea this year; these relations were founded by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev. The close relationship emerged between Azerbaijan and Korea is the result of the successful policy carried out by the head of state Ilham Aliyev. Cooperation between the two countries in different spheres, as well as mutual visits and meetings have contributed to the further strengthening of these relations. “Association of Azerbaijan-Korean Cultural Exchange” (SEBA) public union which operates for already 12 years has a significant role in the expansion of these friendly relations between the countries, as well. The concert programs, international art exhibitions, academic symposium and conferences, archaeological researches, and medical projects carried out by SEBA with joint participation of the representatives of Korea and Azerbaijan, are an obvious example to this. General Director of World Taekwondo Federation Academy Hong Il Hwa made a speech and highly appreciating the works done and the success achieved relating to the development of taekwondo in Azerbaijan, he presented letter of acknowledgment to the president of Azerbaijan Taekwondo Federation Kamaladdin Heydarov for his close assistance in promotion and wide-spreading of this sport in the country, and to the head of Gabala Region Executive Power Sabuhi Abdullayev for his successful activity. After the speeches, the cultural event started with national dances performed by National Orchestra of Korean Traditional Music Center. In accordance with the program, a fashion show, consisting of works of the best hanbok designers and hair stylists, was demonstrated. During the fashion show, luxurious dresses of ancient Korean royal family and palace nobles were presented. Furthermore, the athletes of "Kukkiwon" Taekwondo Demonstration groups of World Taekwondo Academy performed the dynamic and various movements. The concert in which Korean national music and dance samples, and rhythm instruments performances were presented, was ended by Korean opera singers, and Azerbaijani mugham masters. The concert attended by more than 1200 spectators was completed with applause.