South Korean Ambassador: Relations with Kuwait are solid and growing stronger in the face of challenges - Sarmad
South Korean Ambassador Jang Hyun Kim affirmed the deep historical ties with Kuwait, reviewing South Korean support during the Iraqi invasion and current cooperation in infrastructure and defense.
Translated by Qiyas from سرمد — Original source
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait, Jang Hyun Kim, affirmed on Monday the strength of the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries and the depth of historical ties built on mutual trust and solidarity in the face of challenges, emphasizing that Kuwait-Korea friendship has proven its resilience during difficult times.
This came in a speech delivered by Ambassador Kim during a celebration hosted by his embassy to mark the National Foundation Day and the Korean Armed Forces Day, attended by the Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing, Abdul Latif Al-Mutairi, the Chief of the National Service Authority, Major General Nayef Al-Azmi, a number of state officials, heads of diplomatic missions, and representatives of international organizations in Kuwait.
Ambassador Kim stated that relations between the two countries represent a model of true friendship, evident in their mutual support during crises, and noted that shared challenges have contributed to enhancing convergence and understanding between them.
He recalled his country’s supportive stance toward Kuwait during the brutal Iraqi invasion in 1990, explaining that Korea contributed to Kuwait’s liberation efforts by deploying a military medical support unit and a military air transport unit comprising five C-130 aircraft, in addition to providing financial contributions to support the international coalition’s efforts.
He added that “the Kuwaiti people still remember this stance and appreciate the Korean support during that historical stage, which reflects the depth of ties between the two friendly peoples.”
He pointed out that bilateral relations faced a new test this year, which demonstrated the strength of friendship between the two countries, highlighting the phone call that brought together the foreign ministers of both countries last March, and the visit of Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Seoul last August, which was the first visit by a Kuwaiti foreign minister in 19 years.
He clarified that the visit featured extensive discussions reflecting both sides’ commitment to enhancing consultation and coordination on issues of common interest.
Ambassador Kim emphasized that the friendship between the two countries is not limited to official relations but extends to practical cooperation, citing the arrival of Korean engineers in Kuwait during the recent security crisis to help repair damaged oil refineries despite difficult circumstances.
Regarding economic cooperation, he noted that Korean companies have contributed since the 1970s to the development of Kuwait’s infrastructure, highlighting the success of Incheon International Airport Corporation in ensuring the continuity of operational activities at Terminal 4 during the recent disruptions, and its aspiration to participate in the operation of the new Terminal 2.
He also expressed his country’s hope to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense, health, and infrastructure sectors, as well as to expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, thereby consolidating the partnership between the two countries.
He concluded his speech by affirming that Kuwait-Korea friendship grows stronger with every challenge, expressing his hope that the region will witness sustainable stability and that bilateral relations will continue to grow and flourish.
