Minister of Transport H E Jassim Saif Al Sulaiti (second left); Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed Ali Al Mannai (second right); Director of Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ibrahim Fakhroo (left); Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar H E Joon-ho Lee (centre); and Ambassador of Eritrea to Qatar and Dean of Diplomatic Corps H E Ali Ibrahim Ahmed taking part in the cake-cutting ceremony. PIC: Abdul Basit
The Embassy of Republic of Korea in Doha hosted an event on Tuesday celebrating the Korea National Day or ‘Gaecheonjeol’.
Among the dignitaries who attended the cake-cutting ceremony at The Ritz Carlton Doha were the Minister of Transport H E Jassim Saif Al Sulaiti; Minister of Communications and Information Technology H E Mohammed Ali Al Mannai; Director of Protocol Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ibrahim Fakhroo; Ambassador of Eritrea to Qatar and Dean of Diplomatic Corps H E Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, along with other ambassadors.
In his speech, Korea Ambassador to Qatar H E Joon-ho Lee highlighted the long-awaited World Cup which will begin in a month.
“The year 2022 is a big moment for Qatar. This World Cup will be memorable not only because it is the first-ever World Cup in the Middle East, but also the biggest post-pandemic sporting event which will connect us with hope, friendship, and solidarity,” the ambassador said.
As Qatar has prepared for the tournament, the envoy stressed that Korea “has been with Qatar through the long journey”.
Korean companies participated in major infrastructure development in the country including Doha Metro, Lusail Expressway and the design of Al Thumama stadium.
The ambassador also said Korean Military Police trainers are closely cooperating with the Qatari Military Police for the World Cup.
“I am certain this World Cup will be the greatest moment for Qatar,” he said.
Ambassador Lee stressed that the bilateral ties of Korea and Qatar for the past five decades are strong. “Korea is among the largest trading partners, one of the biggest LNG importers, and a significant investor for Qatar.”
The trade volume between both countries last year reached US$12bn.
Qatar and Korea cooperation has expanded to new fields: green energy, smart farming and healthcare.
This year alone, Korea’s Samsung C&T won the contract for two solar power plants in Mesaieed and Ras Laffan Industrial City which “showcases close cooperation of both countries to build the global supply chain of green energies”.
The envoy also mentioned several official visits and meetings of top government officials the past months, and in September, the visa waiver agreement went into effect by both countries.
The Korea National Day celebrated Gaecheonjeol which is the National Foundation Day of Korea held every October 3 annually. Gaecheonjeol means “the day heaven opened its doors,” symbolising the birth of the Korean nation 4,300 years ago.
