 Omani National Economy Minister Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, center, poses together with Seoul National University of Technology President Rho Jun-hyong, left, and GS Caltex CEO and Chairman Hur Dong-soor after Macki received an honorary doctorate from the university at its campus in Seoul, Monday. / Courtesy of GS Caltex |
By Kim Hyun-cheol
Staff Reporter
A visiting Omani minister was awarded an honorary doctorate in economics Monday at the Seoul National University of Technology, in recognition of his contribution to boosting mutual ties between South Korea and the Middle Eastern country.
Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Oman's national economy minister and deputy chairman of its Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, said during his acceptance speech that his country greatly values its relationship with South Korea.
``Korean companies' recent investment in Oman is very much desirable for upgrading our business and economic ties,'' Macki said at the ceremony, where several Korean government officials and entrepreneurs were present.
Known as an expert in and a keen supporter of Korea, he has played a crucial role in the economic cooperation between the two countries for nearly 40 years.
Macki contributed to the foundation of the Korea-Arab Friendship Society in 1971, even before the two countries established diplomatic ties. In 1974, he paid his first official visit to South Korea as Oman's U.N. ambassador, and has been a strong supporter of their close relations since then.
He came to hold his current ministerial post in 1995. The minister also played a key role in drawing Oman's support for South Korea's bid to host the 2012 EXPO, when it became the sole Middle Eastern country to favor Yeosu over its strongest competitor Tangier, Morocco.
During his visit, Macki will hold talks with Korean officials concerning bilateral relations between Korea and Oman, as well as ways to enhance and promote them through development and investment.
The minister will also meet some CEOs of Korean companies and institutions to discuss topics on mutual cooperation in industries such as energy, petrochemicals, shipping and construction.
In a congratulatory speech, GS Caltex CEO and Chairman Hur Dong-soo appreciated Macki's contribution to both countries. He is currently the head of the Korea-Oman Friendship Association as well.
``The close partnership between Korea and Oman would not have been possible without his passionate and dedicated contributions and efforts,'' he said, hoping that it will lead to even greater cooperation between the two countries.
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