KUWAIT CITY, Nov 2: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea celebrated the Korean National Foundation Day which falls on October 3, and the Armed Forces Day on October 1 at the embassy premises. His Excellency Chung Byung-ha, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Kuwait took this occasion to shed light on the establishment of Korea’s diplomatic relations with Kuwait saying, it “goes back to 1979. Even before it, a Korean company named Daerim Construction broke ground on its first project here in 1975 which was only after the Korean trade representative office had been set up here in 1972 and added, Kuwait is the first country from which Korea imported crude oil in 1964.

Chronology
“So, next year will mark the 60th anniversary of our bilateral energy cooperation. Through this little bit of chronology, it is interesting to know that the economy came first, followed by diplomacy, and oil flew first, followed by construction workers. But ever since then, our two countries have been developing comprehensive and multi-dimensional relations that have already become strategic on the ground. “Our trade volume reached around $13 billion last year which means Kuwait is the 6th largest exporter to Korea.

Moreover, 100 million barrels of oil have been flowing to Korea every year, making Kuwait the 3rd largest oil supplier to Korea. We are supporting each other in regional and global issues. An increasing number of Kuwaitis are visiting Korea, and Korean dramas and films are growing more popular in Kuwait. “For all the numbers, size, and volumes, I believe the overarching visions and underlying values we share are of much more importance. That is why I want to stress that our two nations are sharing the values of freedom, peace, and prosperity based on unwavering mutual trust and strong partnership. Rising from the ashes of war, Korea and Kuwait have successfully demonstrated the power of resilience and the strength of collective will for a better life.”

The Korean envoy went on to say, his country has been sharing experiences of national development with Kuwaiti friends. “Of course, we have learned a lot through that process, for Kuwait’s today is not given but earned,” he added. Last September, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and HH Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah met and discussed the way to expand the areas of bilateral cooperation, ensuring Korea continues to be an essential partner in realizing the Kuwait Vision 2035. Korea has already been deeply involved in translating the vision of 2035 into reality through the construction of many symbolic and strategic infrastructures. But more importantly, Korea dreams of being an essential partner of Kuwait beyond 2035.

“To do this, we must further deepen our mutual understanding, particularly among young people,” he added. The event was graced by HE Ambassador Sameeh Johar Hayat, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia Affairs, who was the Guest of Honor, and Brigadier-General Faisal Dashti, Director of Joint Education of the Ministry of Defense in addition to members of the diplomatic corps, distinguished personalities and friends of Korea.