Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
Kuwaiti embassy promotes 'New Kuwait 2035' on national day
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By Kwon Mee-yoo
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The Embassy of Kuwait in Korea held a reception to commemorate the country's 62nd National Day and the 32nd Anniversary of Liberation of the State of Kuwait, Thursday.
Ambassador of Kuwait to Korea Deyab Farhan Al-Rashidi expressed gratitude for Korea's decades-long support and hoped to broaden cooperation in new fields. The Middle Eastern country aims to achieve "Kuwait Vision 2035" to become a financial and trade hub on both the regional and international levels.
Kuwait's National Day, which falls on Feb. 25, commemorates the ascension of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah as the ruler of Kuwait in 1950. Al-Sabah secured Kuwait's independence from Britain and established the Constitution of Kuwait and the Parliament of Kuwait during his reign.
On Feb. 26, Kuwaiti people celebrate the day that their country was liberated from Iraqi occupation in 1991.
Ambassador Al-Rashidi said these are two occasions which Kuwaiti people cherish deeply in their hearts.
“They are also the occasions when we Kuwaitis remember the loyalty of our forefathers and martyrs who sacrificed their lives to build the State of Kuwait ― a civil state based on the principles of respecting the constitution and protecting freedom,” he said.
Al-Rashidi thanked Korea for supporting his country during the Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait.
"We will always remember in our hearts the support from the Korean people which reflected the depth of the relations between both of our nations, which has been growing stronger in all fields to achieve the interests of our friendly people," the ambassador said.
He also noted the longstanding relationship between Korea and Kuwait, which is considered “an exemplary model for political, economic and peaceful cooperation.”
“During the past 20 years, Korean companies have played an important role in implementing several mega-projects in the fields of infrastructure, construction and energy in Kuwait worth billions of U.S. dollars,” Al-Rashidi said, listing Sheikh Jaber Causeway, the Al Zour Refinery Plant, the Abdullah & Al Ahmadi Refinery Plants and other projects.
The ambassador showed high hopes for the latest project as the Incheon International Airport Corporation operates the new terminal (T4) at Kuwait International Airport.
“Kuwait looks forward to opening the doors to Korean companies to play an important role in executing the projects related to Kuwait Vision 2035,” he said.
On behalf of the Korean government, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Won Hee-ryong gave a congratulatory speech.
The minister briefed the audience on the Korea-Kuwait relationship across political, economic, cultural and other areas.
"During the Gulf War, about 350 Korean soldiers joined the UN coalition and fought to restore the territory of Kuwait ... More recently, in 2021, Korea successfully completed the world's largest Al-Zour LNG import terminal, despite all the difficulties caused by the pandemic," Won said.
“It is our sincere hope that the Korean government and companies join the efforts of Kuwait in accomplishing New Kuwait 2035. With our hands together, we will be able to create magnificent successes again.”