The Iranian Embassy in Korea and World Masters Association organized a performance extolling Iranian culture at the Yeoksam Culture Institute in southern Seoul, Thursday.

Iran marked the half-century anniversary of diplomatic ties by promoting Iran’s image in Korea with a week-long series of art and cultural events.

The series kicked off with the Islamic Cultural Festival, co-organized by Seongbuk Global Village Center, on Oct. 6.

“This anniversary is a celebration of a meaningful occasion but it also marks an opportunity to discover new areas of cooperation and further deepen the existing bonds,” said Iranian Ambassador to Korea Ahmad Masumifarin before the performance.

Korea is a huge importer of Iranian oil, which has been the target of international sanctions as of late. Korea gets about 10 percent of its oil from Iran, but the volume is estimated to be about 20 percent lower this year due to a two-month disruption of those imports, according to media reports. The nation resumed its imports in September.

Masumifar pointed out many areas Korea and Iran have worked together, including academic and cultural exchanges, holding cultural and artistic festivals in the two nations, exchanges of films and TV dramas, as well as joint scientific and technological cooperation.

“During the last half century the two countries have enjoyed constructive relations which have been predicative on mutual respect and interests. Over the past 50 years, ties between the two countries have expanded in different areas and witnessed growth as the two sides got more familiar with each other’s capacities,” he said.

By Philip Iglauer (ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)