South Korean Ambassador: Our Engineers Helped Repair Refineries Damaged by Attacks
The South Korean Ambassador reaffirmed the strong ties with Kuwait and praised the role of Korean companies in repairing refineries and infrastructure.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
Mi Al-Sukairy: The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait, Kim Jang-han, emphasized the strength of the friendship between his country and Kuwait, noting that the challenges the region has witnessed have proven the solidity of their relations and reinforced their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare, defense, and cultural and tourism exchanges. This came during a celebration by the embassy marking the National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Korea, attended by the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing, Abdul Latif Al-Mashari, the Commander of the National Military Service Authority, Major General Naif Al-Azmi, and a number of ambassadors, heads of diplomatic missions, and guests.
Regarding the attacks that Kuwait and other regional countries have recently faced, Han praised the wise and firm response of the Kuwaiti government to regional challenges, and highlighted the resilience shown by the Kuwaiti people. He affirmed that his residence in Kuwait has given him a sense of security and stability. He pointed out that Korean engineers arrived in Kuwait at the peak of the security crisis to help repair damaged refineries, commending their commitment and support for Kuwait during a critical time, and stressing that the friendship between the two countries is embodied in dialogue, rapprochement, and joint efforts for the future.
On economic cooperation, he stated that Korean companies have contributed over decades to building a large part of Kuwait’s infrastructure, affirming his country’s aspiration to continue these partnerships, which began in the 1970s. He explained that Incheon International Airport Corporation, which operates Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport, managed to maintain operational flow despite the operational pressures resulting from diverting flights there following the temporary closure of Terminal 1, thereby contributing to Kuwait’s continued connectivity with the outside world. He noted that the company aspires to take over the operation of Terminal 2, while other Korean companies are seeking to win new infrastructure projects that contribute to supporting economic growth and improving services in Kuwait.
He described healthcare as a promising field for enhancing cooperation, noting that Kuwaiti doctors have received specialized training in Korea, and that Korean surgeons regularly visit Kuwait to perform surgeries in coordination with their Kuwaiti counterparts, and to deliver medical seminars. He emphasized the importance of expanding exchanges in medical training and education to strengthen the capacities of the health sector.
On tourism, the ambassador revealed that the number of Kuwaitis traveling to Korea has reached approximately 4,000 people annually, representing a 27% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. He pointed out the possibility for Kuwaiti citizens to visit his country and stay for up to 90 days for tourism or to attend business meetings.
Han also expressed his country’s aspiration to enhance defense cooperation, noting the participation of Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and LIG Defense & Aerospace in the event, where they showcased models of their products, alongside the participation of Korean companies in the automotive and food sectors.
The Korean ambassador concluded his speech by affirming that overcoming difficult times together deepens and strengthens friendship, expressing his hope that the region will witness sustainable calm, and that Kuwait-Korea relations will move toward new horizons of growth and prosperity.
