South Korean Ambassador: Defense cooperation with Kuwait is "very promising"
South Korea’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Kim Jang-han, affirmed that Kuwaiti-South Korean relations are entering a new phase, marked by a transition from traditional cooperation based on trade and project execution to a broader partnership anchored in mutual investment, deepened trust, and long-term commitments between the two countries.
Speaking at his first press conference, Kim stated that his meeting with His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, on the occasion of presenting his credentials as Ambassador of South Korea to Kuwait was “one of the most unforgettable days” of his life. He described the Amir as a “friendly and gracious personality” and noted that he sensed a clear interest during the meeting in developing political and economic relations between Kuwait and South Korea.
Kim explained that the Amir expressed particular interest in enhancing mutual investments. He noted that Kuwaiti-South Korean cooperation has extended over the years to vital sectors, foremost among them energy and infrastructure, but that, according to his vision, the coming phase requires elevating the relationship to a deeper level.
He added that the key message he took away from his meeting with the Amir is the importance of ensuring that the relationship does not remain confined to “deals or commercial transactions” based on the buying and selling of goods and services, but rather that the two countries move toward a stage of mutual commitment through investment in each other and the building of sustainable relationships grounded in trust.
Kim said that South Korea possesses advanced expertise in leveraging smart technologies and artificial intelligence in the operation and management of airports. He pointed out that “Incheon International Airport Corporation” is currently operating Terminal 4, and has also expressed interest in securing the opportunity to operate Terminal 2 once the project is completed.
On the defense front, the Ambassador described cooperation between Kuwait and South Korea in this field as “very promising,” noting that recent security developments in the region have underscored the importance of strengthening the defensive capabilities of regional states.
He stated that Kuwait has suffered damage in recent times as a result of a series of attacks, expressing his admiration for what he described as the “spirit of resilience” of the Kuwaiti people. He highlighted that citizens have continued to carry out their daily lives calmly despite the repeated attacks, while the government has worked to repair the damage and ensure the continuity of normal life.
Kim affirmed the presence of South Korean defense companies interested in cooperating with Kuwait, clarifying that communications with the Kuwaiti side are still in their early stages, and that the South Korean side has already begun engaging with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense.
He revealed that he is working to arrange high-level visits between the two countries, including a visit by the South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs to Kuwait.
On another note, the South Korean Ambassador pointed out that the South Korean travel advisory for Kuwait remains at Level 3, explaining that this level means that South Korean citizens residing in Kuwait, unless they have essential business, are required to leave as soon as possible.
