Kuwait and South Korea highlighted the reciprocity of their bilateral ties while marking Kuwait’s 64th National Day in Seoul on Thursday.

Kuwait’s National Day, which falls on Feb. 25, commemorates the day Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah became ruler of Kuwait in 1950. Al-Sabah signed a treaty securing Kuwait’s independence from Britain.

Kuwait was a British protectorate until 1961.

In his remarks, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Korea Deyab Farhan Al-Rashidi underscored the Middle Eastern country's commitment to goodwill, peace and tolerance under Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

He reaffirmed the depth of political, economic and cultural unity between Kuwait and Korea, which established diplomatic relations in 1979.

“Kuwait is a key trade partner of the Republic of Korea and one of its major energy suppliers,” Al-Rashidi said, citing a bilateral trade volume that reached approximately $10 billion in 2024.

He also highlighted the strategic agreement signed in June 2024 between the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation and the state-run Korea National Oil Corporation to store 4 million barrels of Kuwaiti crude oil in Ulsan, South Korea.

According to the agreement, KNOC will hold Kuwaiti crude oil barrels in Ulsan for domestic distribution when needed. The setup provides Kuwait with a reliable regional hub to guarantee a consistent supply for its Asian clients while bolstering South Korea's energy security, especially in times of global energy crises.

Since 72 percent of South Korea's crude oil demand comes from the Middle East, these agreements with vital partners are seen as critical for Seoul's energy stability.

Al-Rashidi noted the role of Korean companies in major energy projects in Kuwait, such as the Al-Zour Refinery, one of the largest in the world, as well as other significant infrastructure projects.

“The Republic of Korea is considered one of the key partners in implementing Kuwait Vision 2035, which aims to transform the State of Kuwait into a global financial and commercial hub,” added the ambassador.

South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Park Sang-woo commended Kuwait as a trusted partner, emphasizing Korea's involvement in the modernization of the Mina Al-Ahmadi Refinery as the start of strong cooperation in construction and infrastructure.

“Even during the Gulf War in 1990, Korean workers remained at their construction sites and actively participated in Kuwait's post-war reconstruction and recovery efforts,” the minister noted, recalling the role of Korean companies and workers during the Middle East construction boom of the 1970s and 1980s.

“The development of the South Saad Al-Abdullah New City serves as a prime example of a project jointly designed by our two countries,” said Park referring to Kuwait Vision 2035 as a transformative initiative.

“One hand cannot clap,” Park was referring to a Kuwaiti proverb stressing reciprocity and reaffirming Korea's commitment to supporting Kuwait's transition to future industries.