Speech by Korean Ambassador

On the occasion of the official opening of the new Embassy building and the
National Foundation Day Reception
(Tue, Nov. 1, 2016)

Good Evening /An nyung hase yo /A’Salam Walekum,

 H.E. Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid Al Sa’eedi
Minister of Health
 H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Harrassi
Chairman of the Public Authority for TV and Radio
 H.E. Yahya bin Said bin Abdullah Al Jabri
Chairman of Special Economic Zone Authority Duqm (SEZAD)
 H.E. SHIN Dong-ik, President of renowned think tank,
The Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security (IFANS) of the
Republic of Korea

 Honorable Members of State Council and Majlis Ash’shura

 Respected officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
 Dear Colleagues Excellencies from Diplomatic Corps and
their Military Attaches
 Officials from every pillar of Oman society, education and industry
 Representatives of the Korean community in the Sultanate
 the young fans of Korean culture and dear friends, ladies & gentlemen,

At the foremost, I express my sincere thanks to all of you for sparing precious
time out of your busy schedule to join us this evening.

Today, we celebrate the Korean national foundation which came into being
4,348 years ago – to some extent a legend – from heaven to earth with the
humanitarian mission of benefitting the human world, which we still pursue
and always long to establish a prosperous and happy world community.
Apart from celebrating our National Day, today is also a day of great
celebration as we officially stand at the new Korean Embassy building, which
owes its existence to all of you. And now this Korean traditionally- shaped
building in Omani beautiful marbles remains here forever as a symbol of
friendship and great momentum in Korea - Oman relations.

Since my arrival in great country of Oman last May, I have been very much
impressed and have witnessed every day at every corner of Muscat this
tremendous achievement with political stability, economic prosperity and a
great contribution to regional security and peace under the inspiring
leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said and the devotion
of the Omani people, who have always successfully sailed through this rough
economic wave, making another renaissance, a reality.

With Oman, Korea has shared long historical relations. As records show, one
thousand years ago Arabian merchants have travelled to North East Asia and
also to Korea. With their excellent navigational skills, ship building
techniques, and the frankincense they brought, it is our belief that these
Arabian merchants must be from Oman.

In 1974 the diplomatic relations between Oman and Korea were established
and since then our two countries have achieved much in all areas, political,
economic and cultural as well and, together, we have much more to achieve.
There have been several high ranking officials including Prime Minister’s
visit between the two countries. As and when needed, the two countries have
close and satisfactory consultation in the bilateral, regional arena and beyond.
In addition, people to people exchange – present low tide – is sure to increase
in near future

In particular, our partnership, economic and trade cooperation have made

great advances since the MoU signed between the two countries on supply of
LNG to Korea in 2000, followed by visa exemption in 2004. Korea has
grown to become the 2nd largest export market for Oman and is the largest
importer of Oman LNG. Built on the existing strong cooperation in petro-
chemical, water & electricity and transportation sector, now Korea and Oman
are well positioned to explore new horizon of cooperation in fields such as
ICT, Education, Health, Tourism, SMEs and Fisheries etc. These areas are
being discussed very earnestly on the very today at the 5th Joint Economic
Committee meeting in Seoul.

In this regard, I dare to feel very proud that Korean companies on the strength
of their globalized networks, cutting edge technology and high sense of
responsibility have been able to join Oman in its Vision 2020 and have made
missions fulfilled.

Furthermore, the Korean navy since 2009 has been on duty off coast Salalah
in Indian Ocean by joining Anti-Piracy operations of United Nations
contributing to make the region much safer and secure.

On land and sea, we are pleased and honored to join the long but
uninterruptible march to a shared future for peace and prosperity between
Korea and Oman.
My special thanks goes to all the officials and staff at the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs who have not spared any stone unturned in making Oman and Korea
relations stronger day by day. I thank as well all Omani economic and trade
authorities and companies who have stretched out their hands to Korean
companies in this direction. I also thank H.E. SHIN Dong-ik, a policy advisor
in foreign affairs and national security, for coming all the way to great
country of Oman for this special day.

Even while we are celebrating today, we can’t help thinking that North Korea
continues to challenge the international community with nuclear bomb and
missiles, leaving its people in poverty and oppression. Facing this nuclear
threat, I would like to thank you all for your continuous support for
establishing peace and stability on Korean peninsula.

I would like to also mention that Korea’s music group, Ensemble Dalmoon,
Oman Korea Friendship Association and the Korean military band are here to
show a congratulatory performance tonight. Day after tomorrow, over 80
members of Korean military band will perform at the “Oman and the World”
military music at the Royal Opera House Muscat. Thank you all for your
beautiful performance.

Please accept my thanks on behalf of the Korean Embassy and Korean people
for all you do to support the growth and strengthen our friendship and many
ties. Thank you all for your esteemed presence, and please enjoy the rest of
evening.

Thank you / Kam sham nida / Shukran!