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Korea hosts roundtable on cultural exchange in Moscow to mark 35 years of diplomatic ties with Russia

Published: 20 Mar. 2026, 16:25

Korean Ambassador to Russia Lee Seok-bae delivers a keynote speech at the Korean Embassy in Moscow on Nov. 11, 2025. [YONHAP]

Korea hosted a roundtable in Moscow to discuss ways to advance cultural relations and exchanges with Russia, marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of their formal bilateral diplomatic relations, the foreign ministry said Friday.

The roundtable on Korea-Russia cultural exchanges, held the previous day, was attended by Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russia's special presidential representative on international cultural cooperation, former Russian ambassadors to Korea, and scholars from universities and research centers.

Speaking at the event, Korean Ambassador to Russia Lee Sok-bae stressed the importance of maintaining bilateral relations through cultural exchanges.

"Although Korea-Russia relations are experiencing difficulties amid a grave international situation, it is important for the two countries to enhance mutual understanding and interest between their peoples through cultural and arts exchanges to ensure the stable, long-term development of bilateral ties," Lee said.

Shvydkoy also underscored the long-standing record of cultural exchanges between the two countries, pledging efforts to further develop bilateral ties.

Decorative lights adorn street lamps along the streets in Moscow on Feb. 18. [YONHAP]

The roundtable included discussions involving scholars from key academic institutions, including Moscow State University, on ways to enhance bilateral exchanges in culture, the performing arts and tourism.

The event was organized to mark the publication of a book on Korea-Russia cultural exchanges by former Russian Ambassador Evgeny Afanasiev, for which Lee, former Korean ambassadors and incumbent National Security Adviser Wi Sung-Lac contributed articles.

Yonhap