Expectations High for Inca Exhibition
By Kim Se-jeong
Staff Reporter
Peruvian Foreign Minister Jose Antonio Garcia Belaunde has high expectations for an exhibition on Incan civilization that will open in Korea in December.
"We have a very important exhibition of the ancient Peruvian culture after the President's visit to Seoul," Garcia said in an interview in Seoul, Tuesday.
The display, organized by the Peruvian Embassy and the Hankook Ilbo, a sister paper of The Korea Times, will open at the National Museum of Korea Dec. 1.
About 400 artifacts will be on display. The largest exhibition of Incan civilization in the country is part of the museum's centennial celebrations.
The minister said that the geographical distance that exists between Peru and Korea is there to be overcome. "We have to do something to get people to know each other better."
During his three-day stay, he is to sign an agreement on air transportation, and discuss ways of promoting educational cooperation.
"We'd like to do something on air transportation," said the minister, who had first-hand experience of the exhaustingly long flight en route to Korea.
His visit came amid Peru-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which are expected to be concluded soon.
"We are doing our best," he said. He added the two countries were making efforts to complete the talks by October, and "have the President sign it when he visits Korea in November."
Peruvian President Alan Garcia will be in Korea between Nov. 9 and 10 for a summit with President Lee Myung-bak.
Foreign Minister Garcia mentioned Rep. Lee Sang-deuk, elder brother of President Lee, who traveled to the South American country earlier this month in his capacity as special presidential envoy - also taking in Brazil and Bolivia.
The Peruvian minister showed his friendship with the elder Lee by calling him a "dear friend." The two met Monday for a private dinner.