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Algeria welcomes public to join concert at Seoul Plaza

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<span>Algerian composer and violinist Khalil Baba Ahmed performs with an orchestra during a concert, titled

" src='https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/newsV2/images/201910/364316c4e49c4e48881580b4c551f64a.jpg/dims/resize/740/optimize' />
Algerian composer and violinist Khalil Baba Ahmed performs with an orchestra during a concert, titled "Algerian-Korean Musical Night," to celebrate the 30 years of bilateral ties between Algeria and Korea at Seoul Plaza, Oct. 8. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo

Thew UNICEF Donors choir performs during a concert, titled
Thew UNICEF Donors choir performs during a concert, titled "Algerian-Korean Musical Night," to celebrate 30 years of bilateral ties between the two countries, at Seoul Plaza, Oct. 8. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo

By Yi Whan-woo

Marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Korea, Algeria went for a creative way to address the harmonious ties that have developed into a strategic partnership.


The Embassy of Algeria in Korea celebrated the anniversary at Seoul Plaza, Oct. 8, allowing the public to freely join in.

The choice of venue was unique, given that diplomatic receptions are mainly held at a banquet hall in a five-star hotel and are open only to invited guests, mostly members of the diplomatic corps.

Titled "Algerian-Korean Musical Night," most of the Oct. 8 celebration was devoted to a joint concert between musicians of the two countries, following brief messages from Algerian Ambassador Mohammed El Amine Derragui and the guest of honor — Hong Jin-wook, the director general of the African and Middle Eastern Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plus an introductory video on Algeria and its bilateral ties with Korea.

The concert, according to Ambassador Derragui, was to demonstrate cultural harmony in addition to political dialogue, trade and multi-sectorial cooperation that collectively serve as three pillars of bilateral relations.

Algerian Ambassador Mohammed El Amine Derragui, second from right, and Hong Jin-wook, right, director-general of the African and Middle Eastern Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participate in a celebration for the 30th anniversary of Algeria-Korea relations at Seoul Plaza, Oct. 8. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo
Algerian Ambassador Mohammed El Amine Derragui, second from right, and Hong Jin-wook, right, director-general of the African and Middle Eastern Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, participate in a celebration for the 30th anniversary of Algeria-Korea relations at Seoul Plaza, Oct. 8. / Korea Times photo by Yi Whan-woo

"It equally shows the power of cultural interactions in opening new horizons for creativity," Derragui said. "I sincerely hope that this event will contribute to the expansion and reinforcement of cultural cooperation between our two countries and will represent an important step toward the promotion of dialogue and harmonious collaboration."


He thanked Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and other sponsors for their "tremendous efforts and goodwill."

Hong noted that since 2006, Algeria has been Korea's only strategic partner in Africa, saying, "I look forward to today's occasion laying the groundwork for communication and interaction between people of our two countries."

An Algerian composer and violinist, Khalil Baba Ahmed, jointly with an orchestra consisting of Algerians and Koreans, played his compositions, "Errance," "Mon etoile" and "Bahya."

Nisrin Ghenim, an Algerian soloist, sang Algerian and Korean traditional songs, including "Arirang" and "Koum Tara," and "Bikahi" in collaboration with the UNICEF Donors choir.

Algeria was Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon's first stop in his three-nation Africa trip in 2018. The two others were Tunisia and Morocco.

Lee and then-Algerian Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia signed five memoranda of understanding in the fields of environmental protection, the modernization of Algeria's customs administration, investment, energy, and information and communications technology.

They also discussed expanding cooperation in the fields of intelligent transport systems, smart cities, electronic government, aerospace, agriculture and youth education.

The two countries established diplomatic relations in January 1990.

Yi Whan-woo yistory@koreatimes.co.kr


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