Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The Korean National Day was celebrated in Crowne Plaza hotel here. Korean Consul General Nak-Young Oh received Ambassador Jamal Abu Al Khoyour, director general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Makkah Region branch.
“As you know well, Korea and the Kingdom have developed strong ties during the last 55 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. Since then, the Kingdom has been considered a valuable and credible partner to Korea, and vice versa.
“Starting from the construction and energy sectors during the early 1970s and 1980s, both countries have further promoted their bilateral relations in various sectors,” Oh said during the reception held to celebrate the 4,350th National Foundation Day.
“Recently, we have witnessed global economic downturn and its serious consequences as well as the advent of a new age, the so-called fourth Industrial Revolution. It is timely and right that Saudi leadership has launched a long journey under Saudi Vision 2030 and National Transformation Plan that will lead the country into more bright and sustainable future. Korea is also going through a transformative drive towards a sustainable and future-oriented socio-economy.
“At the end of last month, the Korea-Saudi Joint Committee meeting was held in Seoul, and a special session on Saudi Vision 2030 was a matter of primary concern, attracting much attention from the participants. In short, Saudi Vision 2030 has provided valuable momentum for further expanding and deepening bilateral cooperation.
“I would like to take this opportunity to touch upon the recent developments on the Korean peninsula. Facing North Koreas’ repeated provocations with a series of long-range nuclear missile tests, the Korean government and people are renewing and strengthening their efforts to close the chapter of a divided history with tension and confrontation, which can only be achieved through the support of international community.
The consul general conveyed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and the Saudi government and citizens for the warm hospitality extended to the Korean community and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Jeddah. He wished an ever-lasting friendship and prosperity between Korea and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Technologically advanced Korean companies are ready to further cooperate under strategic partnership in a wide range of areas that will surely help to generate mutual benefit. As of today, some flagship investment projects have already commenced in sectors such as housing, renewable energy, environment and health-care.
Oh also talked about the upcoming 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games next February. The Korean government is determined to create the Olympic Games as the “Peace beyond Safety” Olympics, where everyone would be able to witness the cherished desire and efforts of the whole of the Korean people for peaceful reunification, while enjoying Korea’s wonderful winter landscape and scenery during this Winter Olympics.
