Kuwait, Korea move relations forward
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This photo shows the skyline of Kuwait City. / Courtesy of Embassy of Kuwait
Below is the message from Ambassador Jasem Albudaiwi on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of National Day of Kuwait.— ED.
Kuwaiti Ambassador to Korea Jasem Albudaiwi
Kuwaitis all around the world are happy to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the National Day on Feb. 25 and the 23rd Liberation Day of the State of Kuwait on Feb. 26, 2014.
On these significant and auspicious occasions, I would like to extend our heartfelt regards and best wishes to our friendly Koreans, the Korean government and President Park Geun-hye, on behalf of the government of Kuwait.
The celebration of the National Day and the Libration Day of the State of Kuwait comes amidst continuously growing relations between Kuwait and Korea.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in June 1979, the bilateral relations have flourished and gained a sound momentum of cooperation, highlighted by mutual political trust and support, economic and trade development, and exchanges of knowledge and cultures between the two nations.
As ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Korea, I am committed to playing a role to further strengthen bilateral relations, while actively promoting mutually beneficial understanding, exchanges and opportunities in the fields of economy, culture, education and healthcare between the two nations.
The importance of the close bilateral relationship in the economic and trade arenas cannot be understated.
Korea has consistently been one of the Kuwait’s largest trading partners, accounting for 18 percent of total exports and 7 percent of total imports of Kuwait.
As the second-largest crude oil supplier for Korea, Kuwait provides about 15 to 20 percent of Korea’s total crude oil imports.
Korean companies have successfully been awarded numerous oil and infrastructure-related projects by the Kuwaiti government and companies. The bids they won include the project to upgrade and expansion of refinery and construction of power stations in 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.
In comparison to the widely known bilateral trade relations and cooperative projects in oil and infrastructure, what may not be so obvious are the ever-growing interactions across diverse industries between the two countries.
Medical tourism
Kuwait recognizes the high quality of services in the Korean education and health sectors.
Wide-ranging cooperation in these sectors between the two countries is just beginning, as a number of Kuwaiti patients choose Korea as the destination of care and treatment, and Kuwaiti students will be placed in some of the best Korean institutions to enhance their capabilities.
The future of the Korea-Kuwait relationship is brighter than ever. President Park Geun-hye took office last year, following the presidential election in December 2012.
In a congratulatory letter to the President, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah emphasized the means to bolster bilateral ties in various fields and developments on regional and international arenas.
Despite the geographical distance and different social and cultural traditions, both nations have expressed sincerest wishes to enhance friendship.
The development of increasing cooperation demonstrates the potential for the relations to be propelled to an even higher level and broader scope.
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 bilateral relations between the two countries.
I have started my duties officially upon presenting my credentials to President Park Geun-hye, on Nov. 22, 2013.
I reiterate my commitment to working diligently in order to substantiate the already existing good relations and further expand partnership especially in the areas of education and health. The joint efforts of the two governments and peoples will continue to acquire further strength in the days to come.
Lastly, on this joyful occasion, I would like to express my earnest hope that the people and the government of the Republic of Korea continue to enjoy peace, stability and prosperity.