Kuwait, South Korea expand cooperation on several fronts

The ambassador made the statement at the event organized by the South Korean Embassy on the occasion of the National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day. Minister of State for Municipal and Housing Affairs Abdulatif Al-Mishari, Head of the National Military Service Authority Brigadier General Nayef Al- Azmi, several ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions and other prominent individuals attended the event. Kim started his speech by expressing appreciation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah for their leadership and continuous efforts to solidify the friendship and partnership between the two countries.

Looking back on his tenure in Kuwait since arriving last May, he also expressed appreciation for the gracious welcome that the Kuwaiti people and members of the diplomatic community extended to him. He added that he was honored to be welcomed by His Highness the Amir when he submitted his credentials in September. He praised the Kuwaiti government for its resolute handling of regional developments, as well as the determination of the people of Kuwait. He revealed that his experience in the country gives him a profound feeling of safety and stability. He recalled South Korea’s support for Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, when his country sent a military medical assistance team and an airlift unit consisting of five C-130 aircraft, in addition to the financial support for the international coalition’s campaign to liberate Kuwait. He is happy that the Kuwaiti people continue to hold this contribution in high regard. He remembered the deployment of South Korean engineers to Kuwait in the midst of the recent security emergency to carry out repairs at damaged refineries, describing their assistance as valuable during a challenging period. He stressed that the close relationship between the two countries is reflected in their continuous consultations, solid bilateral ties and joint initiatives aimed at building a common future.

On political cooperation, he cited an important telephone discussion held last March between Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Jarrah Al-Ahmad and his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun, followed by the trip to Seoul in August -- the first visit by a Kuwaiti foreign affairs minister to the South Korean capital in 19 years. He disclosed that the discussions were conducted in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, affirming the depth of relations between the two countries.

On the economic sector, he mentioned the substantial contribution made by South Korean companies over several decades, beginning in the 1970s, to the construction and development of much of Kuwait’s infrastructure. He voiced his eagerness to build on this successful cooperation in the years ahead. He added that Incheon International Airport Corporation, which is in charge of operating Terminal Fourt at Kuwait International Airport, maintained smooth services despite the additional operational burden caused by flights redirected there after Terminal One was temporarily shut down, helping ensure that Kuwait remained linked to international destinations.

He said the corporation is now preparing to take on the operation of Terminal Two, while other South Korean companies are seeking opportunities to participate in infrastructure developments to stimulate progress and improve public services. He indicated that healthcare is another field with considerable potential, pointing out that Kuwaiti doctors undergo advanced professional training in South Korea. He also drew attention to the frequent visits of South Korean surgeons, who carry out procedures in cooperation with their Kuwaiti colleagues and organize medical conferences. He called for wider cooperation in clinical training and medical education to further develop expertise and strengthen the sector. On tourism, he disclosed that around 4,000 Kuwaitis travel to South Korea each year -- 27 percent rise from pre-pandemic figures. He added that Kuwaiti visitors can remain in the country for as long as 90 days for tourism purposes or business meetings.