Following is a National Day message from H.E. Jasem Albudaiwi, ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Korea. ― Ed.
Kuwaitis around the world are celebrating the 53rd anniversary of their National Day on Feb. 25 and their 23rd Liberation Day on Feb. 26. On these significant and auspicious occasions, it is with great honor that, on behalf of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Seoul, I extend my heartfelt regards and best wishes to the friendly people and government of the Republic of Korea, and to President Park Geun-hye.
The celebration of National Day and Liberation Day comes amid growing relations between Kuwait and Korea. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in June 1979, the bilateral relations have led to flourishing cooperation, highlighted by mutual political trust and support, economic and trade development, and exchanges of knowledge and culture. As ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Korea, I am committed to further strengthening bilateral relations, while actively promoting mutually beneficial understanding, exchanges and opportunities in the fields of economy, culture, education and health care.
The importance of close economic and trade relations cannot be understated. South Korea has consistently been among Kuwait’s largest trading partners, accounting for 18 percent of Kuwait’s exports and 7 percent of its imports. As the second-largest crude oil supplier for Korea, Kuwait provides about 15-20 percent of Korea’s total crude oil imports. Korean companies have been awarded numerous oil and infrastructure-related projects by the Kuwaiti government and companies, such as the upgrade and expansion of refineries and construction of power stations for oil wells. During the 5th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable, held on Sept. 13, 2013, Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Mustafa Al-Shamali called for more participation by South Korean companies in Kuwait’s oil infrastructure projects, and for the expansion of bilateral energy cooperation between the two countries beyond crude oil trading.
Aside from the bilateral trade relations and cooperative projects in oil and infrastructure, though, there are also ever-growing interactions across diverse industries between the two countries. Kuwait recognizes the high-quality of services in the Korean education and health sectors. Wide-ranging cooperation in these fields is just beginning, as a number of Kuwaiti patients are choosing Korea as their destination for care and treatment, and Kuwaiti students are being placed in some of the best Korean postsecondary institutions.
The future of the Korea-Kuwait relationship is brighter than ever. President Park Geun-hye began her term in February 2013, following South Korean elections in December 2012. In a congratulatory letter to the president, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah emphasized the bolstering of bilateral ties in various fields and cooperation in regional and international arenas.
Despite the geographical distance and cultural differences, both nations have expressed a sincere wish to enhance their friendship. There is still potential for an even higher level and broader scope of relations. In this context, I am honored to have recently been appointed as the ambassador of the State of Kuwait to the Republic of Korea at this important and historic moment in relations between the two countries. I started my duties officially upon presenting my credentials to President Park Geun-hye on Nov. 22, 2013, and I reiterate my commitment to reinforcing our countries’ good relations and further expanding our partnership, especially in the areas of education and health. The joint efforts of the two governments and peoples will continue to strengthen in the days to come.
Lastly, on this joyful occasion, I would like to express my sincere hope that the people and the government of the Republic of Korea continue to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity.
koreaherald@heraldcorp.com
