The South Korean ambassador to Kuwait, Kim Jang-hyun, praised the management of regional tensions and the resilience of the Kuwaiti people, emphasizing Seoul's commitment to stand by this country in difficult times. At a ceremony marking National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day in South Korea, he recalled his journey by road from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to Kuwait during the absence of direct flights, noting that the people of Kuwait and members of the diplomatic staff welcomed him from the very first day of his arrival.
History of Cooperation and Solidarity
The South Korean ambassador expressed deep respect for the calm and decisive response of the Kuwaiti government and the remarkable resilience of the people of this country, referencing Seoul's historical support for Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion in 1990. At that time, South Korea dispatched a military medical unit and a military air transport unit along with five C-130 aircraft to Kuwait, and also financially contributed to the coalition efforts to liberate Kuwait.
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Kim Jang-hyun continued, saying, "True friends are those who stand by you in times of hardship," referencing the Arabic proverb "الصديق وقت الضیق". He noted that many Kuwaitis still remember South Korea's support during the invasion, which has brought pride and gratitude to his country.
Opportunities for Economic Cooperation Development
The South Korean ambassador also pointed to opportunities for developing economic cooperation, stating that the two countries are seeking to expand their relations in the fields of energy, infrastructure, and other areas. By 2025, Kuwait will be South Korea's fifth-largest supplier of crude oil and the fourth-largest foreign construction market for the country. Kim Jang-hyun mentioned ongoing collaborations, including Incheon International Airport Corporation, which is responsible for Terminal 4 of Kuwait International Airport.
The ambassador also referred to the growth of cultural relations and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, noting that about 4,000 Kuwaitis travel to South Korea annually. He spoke of the increasing interest in Korean culture in Kuwait, including Korean drama series and K-pop events. Finally, he expressed hope that the rainfall during Kuwait's Al-Wasem season would bring friends closer together and foster lasting peace in the region.
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