The news conference followed the trial joint performance by the Unhasu Orchestra and the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra which was videoed by 41 leading mass media of the world including AFP, various TV channels and radios of France and Reuters, CNN, Yonhap News of south Korea and Asahi Shimbun of Japan.

Answering the reporters, Kwon said he was pleased to hold a joint performance at the invitation of the French government.

The cultural exchange between the two countries had already begun in the 1970s with the Mansudae Art Troupe's visit to France, he said, adding the bilateral cultural exchange is given continuity by the orchestra's visit.

The performance will be given, divided into two parts, and in the first part the Unhasu Orchestra will perform Korean music and French traditional music, he said, adding: In the second part the Unhasu Orchestra and the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra will jointly perform.

He stressed that this joint performance would mark an important occasion for boosting the bilateral cultural exchange and expanding the bilateral ties in various fields.