The Market Theatre Foundation applauds Business Arts South Africa for acknowledging the US Embassy’s contribution to the development and preservation of the arts in South Africa as well as the US Embassy’s continued prioritisation of cultural diplomacy programming between South African artists and their US counterparts.

Dr. Pierre Tzu-pao Yang, Taiwan’s deputy minister of culture, was in D.C. this week to discuss the new division of culture. He also sat down with The Diplomat’s Shannon Tiezzi to talk about the importance of Taiwan’s international cultural programs, why culture will be a crucial part of Taiwan’s future – and why he doesn’t like the term “soft power.” The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Reiterating the importance of cultural interactions and people to people contacts in strengthening bilateral relations, India and Kenya on Monday affirmed their commitment to renew the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2016-19, which will provide a framework for cooperation in culture.

Members of Korea's foreign and local media enjoyed a Korean cultural experience hosted by the Senior Public Diplomacy Group (SPDG) at Unni Sarangbang in central Seoul, Friday. Featuring an evening of traditional Korean foods and beverages and instrumental and vocal music performances, guests were also treated to a speech on international cultural events by host Choi Ha-kyung.

President Xi Jinping proposed the cultural exchange year in 2014 when he attended the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Summit in Brasilia.

Cultural exchanges will help China and Colombia grow closer together, said Chinese Ambassador to Colombia Li Nianping Friday after the first performance of the Jilin Song and Dance Ensemble here [...] As two countries are celebrate 36 years of their diplomatic relations next month, there will be an increase in cultural programs and trade missions, Li said, adding that more Colombians are welcome to China for a visit.