Iran (IMNA) - Kim Junpyo made the remarks on Sunday during a meeting with Ali Ghasemzade, the mayor of Isfahan. Stressing the importance of cultural and artistic exchanges, he said that such cooperation could significantly strengthen industrial and commercial ties between South Korea and Isfahan.
“Since arriving in Iran, one of my key goals has been to expand cultural exchange between our two nations, and I continue to work toward that,” he said.
Recalling the history of cultural cooperation between Iran and South Korea, he noted that numerous cultural programs were held between 2015 and 2016, though they lacked continuity. “As ambassador, I am keen to revive and elevate these longstanding relations,” he added.
Kim pointed to a recent development: the first joint Iranian–Korean calligraphy exhibition in nearly eight years, held at his official residence. Artists and calligraphy associations from both countries participated. “This is how I intend to begin — by fostering cultural interaction so that exchanges, especially with Isfahan, grow stronger,” he said.
Calling Isfahan “half the world,” the ambassador added: “I believe the beginning of any endeavour represents half of the journey. I was excited that we have taken this first step — in a way, half the work is already done.”
He also referred to his meeting with Mehdi Jamalinejad, the governor of Isfahan, describing it as highly constructive. “The governor likewise emphasised the importance of hosting joint cultural events,” he said.
Reiterating the need to preserve human dignity in a rapidly changing technological era, Kim said: “As the world advances toward new technologies and AI, no matter how far we progress, we must never lose sight of human value and human security. I know that Isfahan is Iran’s industrial centre, and the combination of its human-centred approach with its industrial and technological capabilities can yield significant results — even global leadership.”
He added that although this was his first official visit to Isfahan, he had planned to travel to the city three times before but had been unable to do so for various reasons. “On previous occasions only my wife and child managed to visit. This time, I finally made the trip myself to this beautiful city.”
“Isfahan is a city of peace,” he concluded. “When I return, I will tell other ambassadors that Isfahan is a city of culture, art, and harmony.”
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