Saudi marks 86th National Day

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Korea, H.E. Riyad Almubaraky, center, and Education Minister Lee Joon-sik, fourth from left, and other participants gather during a reception to commemorate the 86th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Kim Hyo-jin

By Kim Hyo-jin

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Korea, H.E. Riyad Almubaraky, hosted a reception to celebrate his country’s 86th National Day at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Thursday.

Hundreds of foreign envoys, businessmen and government officials, including Education Minister Lee Joon-sik, attended.

“Our kingdom joined the ranks of advanced nations and enjoys prosperity and stability,” the ambassador said during his opening speech.

“Our great national system was established based on the adoption of an Islamic constitution and is an achievement made by our belief in the oneness of Allah, the Holy Koran and His Prophet Muhammad.”

Almubaraky expressed hopes for a brighter future for the country with its “Vision 2030” plan, a road map for economic development unveiled earlier this year.

He underlined that Saudi Arabia and Korea have enjoyed historical bonds of friendship based on economic and cultural links spanning centuries.

“I am pleased that the two countries have nurtured a special bilateral relationship throughout history since we established diplomatic ties,” he said.

Saudi Arabia celebrates Sept. 23 as its National Day to commemorate the unification of the kingdom in 1932. Saudi Arabia and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1962.

“South Korea has the firm intention to further develop our bilateral ties,” Lee said in his congratulatory speech.

“We hope to diversify bilateral exchanges not only economically but also in medicine, education and health care, and support each other’s development.”