The Korea Herald

지나쌤

S. Korea, China, Japan agree to expand cultural cooperation

By 이지윤

Published : May 5, 2012 - 15:25

    • Link copied

SHANGHAI -- South Korea, China and Japan agreed on an action plan Saturday aimed at expanding cultural cooperation and exchange between the three countries.

The deal reached in Shanghai calls for the designation of so-called cultural cities in each of the three countries in 2014, and the hosting of joint art fairs that can attract leading traditional and modern artists.

The action plan was reached at a meeting attended by South Korean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choe Kwang-shik, China's Culture Minister Cai Wu and Japan's Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Hirofumi Hirano.

Participants said that because all three countries possess long and rich cultural heritages, such assets could be used to expand close regional bonds and awareness between people.

The three countries concurred on the need to hold regular fairs, exhibitions and cultural events and work with one another to protect each other's historical heritages and help build up related industries.

The neighbors, in addition, agreed to touch upon ways to enhance intellectual property rights protection in future gatherings as it is vital for expanding culture-related businesses and economic activities.

Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo have held annual culture ministerial meetings since 2007 as part of their combined effort to forge closer ties. (Yonhap)