1. A banquet and a performance will take place to celebrate the beginning of the “Year of France in Korea,” part of the “Years 2015-2016 of Republic of Korea-France Bilateral Exchanges” event to mark the 130th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations, which falls on June 4, 2016.

2. The “Years 2015-2016 of ROK-France Bilateral Exchanges” event is a bilateral event that the Presidents of the two countries have agreed to hold in commemoration of the anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations. This largest-ever event of its kind will feature a large number (about 350) of programs in the broad range of sectors (including culture, education, science, technology, economy, industry and exchanges between provincial government agencies) over a long period of time (one and a half years). The “Years 2015-2016 of ROK-France Bilateral Exchanges” event consists of the “Year of Korea in France (September 2015 – August 2016)” and the “Year of France in Korea (January 2016 – December 2016)” sub-events. Through this event, the ROK and France are expected to complete the implementation of the measures agreed upon by their Presidents and develop a future vision of cooperation between the two countries for the 21st century.

3. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Jong-deok and Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of France, who is on a visit to the ROK for the opening event for the “Year of France in Korea,” will attend the celebratory banquet.


* unofficial translation