Special Bright Future Ahead Between Korea, Arab World

Egyptian Ambassador Reda El-Taify contributed the following article to The Korea Times in celebration of the launching of the Korea-Arab Society Monday. ― ED.

Many similarities can be found when comparing Korea and the Arab world.

Both have been cradles of great ancient civilizations.

The Arab world is the birthplace of the three biggest monotheistic religions in the world and home to the world's oldest civilization.

Korea similarly has a long history, boasting the centuries-old Gojoseon Kingdom and the pursuant Three Kingdoms' civilizations. Likewise, both have ― over the course of history ― been subject to the external influences of other civilizations.

There are also modern comparisons, with both countries playing an important role in the world's economy.

Both depend heavily on each other to provide important economic needs.

Korea, the 13th largest economy in the world, imports most of its energy needs from the Middle East, while some 300 million consumers in Middle East receive a large portion of their consumer goods from Korea.

Therefore, it is no wonder that the last few years have witnessed remarkable growth and diversification of relations between Korea and Arab countries. The increased frequency of visits between leaders of both regions proves beyond doubt the importance both sides attribute to these relations.

In fact trade between Korea and Arab countries topped $86 billion by the end of 2007, making the Arab world Korea's fifth largest trading partner, with some considering this increase in trade a revival of the ancient silk trade route that once existed.

All of this proves beyond doubt the importance of Korea-Arab relationship.

Arab countries are keen on further enhancing relations with Korea.

As most of these countries undergo remarkable socioeconomic transitions, they look in admiration at the Korean model of industrial development which offers many lessons, particularly regarding to IT and human resources development.

Likewise, the last few years have seen a significant interest by Korea in playing a meaningful role in Middle Eastern issues.

Conscious of these facts, the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) has launched an initiative to establish ``The Korea-Arab Society."

The society will strive to further improve relations between Korea and Arab countries, not only in politics and the economy, but in other fields such as culture.

Through the spreading of cultural information, a deeper mutual understanding can be achieved between Korea and the Arab world, including Egypt. This applies not only to the history of these regions, but also to modern day culture.

Egypt has especially been pleased with the initiative of MOFAT.

We consider it an important step towards strengthening cooperation between Korea and the Arab world in general, and between Korea and Egypt in particular.

As part of this exchange of cultural knowledge, the Egyptian National Folklore Troupe performed in the National Theatre of Korea on May 7th of this year.

Egypt will continue to actively contribute towards improving cultural and economic relations between these two great countries.