Moscow: South Korea hosted a significant roundtable in Moscow to explore avenues for advancing cultural relations and exchanges with Russia. This event marked the 35th anniversary of the establishment of formal bilateral diplomatic relations between the two nations, the South Korean foreign ministry announced on Friday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the South Korea-Russia cultural exchange roundtable took place the previous day and included participation from Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russia's special presidential representative on international cultural cooperation, former Russian ambassadors to South Korea, and scholars from various universities and research centers.

During the event, South Korean Ambassador to Russia Lee Sok-bae highlighted the critical role of cultural exchanges in maintaining bilateral relations. He emphasized how, despite current challenges in South Korea-Russia relations amid a complex international landscape, enhancing mutual understanding through cultural and arts exchanges is vital for the stable, long-term development of ties.

Mikhail Shvydkoy echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the long-standing history of cultural exchanges between the two countries and committing to efforts aimed at further developing bilateral relations.

The discussions at the roundtable, involving scholars from key academic institutions such as Moscow State University, focused on strategies to bolster bilateral exchanges in areas like culture, the performing arts, and tourism.

This event also celebrated the publication of a book on South Korea-Russia cultural exchanges by former Russian Ambassador Evgeny Afanasiev. Contributions to the book were made by Lee, former South Korean ambassadors, and current National Security Adviser Wi Sung-Lac.