“Warm ties between Oman, Korea stand as a testament to strong diplomacy, mutual respect, shared interests
By Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik, VCs Joy Cho, Choe Nam-suk, Editor Richard Park
Ambassador Zakariya Hamed Hilal Al Saadi of the Sultanate of Oman in Seoul said, “The bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea stand as a testament to the strength of diplomacy, mutual respect, and shared interests between our two nations.” Then he said, “Since their establishment, Oman has consistently strengthened its robust partnership with the Republic of Korea over the years, built on understanding, cooperation, and common goals.”
Ambassador All Saadi of Oman made the impressive remarks at a gala reception he and Mme. Shamsa Mohammed Hilal Al laadi hosted at the spacious, plush grand ballroom of the Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul on the evening of Nov. 20, 2023.
Ambassador Al Saadi then said, “Oman values the Republic of Korea as a reliable ally across various sectors and is committed to peace and this relationship, characterized by warmth and trust, has led to significant collaboration in diverse fields such as trade, energy, ports, technology, and education, benefiting both countries immensely.” (See speech text at the end of this report.)
The impressively spacious grand ballroom of the Lotte Hotel that even was literally filled with Korean and international dignitaries, including many Ambassadors with Madams and other senior members of the Seoul Diplomatic Corps—as well as all by prominent representatives from various segments of Korean society and international community including First Vice Minister Kim Oh-jin of the Republic of Korea Government and National Assemblywoman Chung Chun-sook (Democratic Party). From the media came many editors and writers from The Korea Post, publisher of 3 English and 2 Korean-language news publications since 1985, including Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik, Vice Chairpersons Joy Cho and Choe Nam-suk and reporter/photographers.
According to the introduction of relations between Korea and Oman published by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bilateral relationship between the Korea and of Oman is defined by strong bonds of partnership.
As such, Korea and Oman are close natural partners. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1974. The long-standing bilateral partnership has deepened and broadened ever since.
Mutual exchanges and visits are actively under way at many levels.
The two countries support each other’s policies at various international fora including the United Nations.
In economic field, the two countries have developed mutually beneficial ties, which reinforce the already-strong overall relationship.
Oman provides Korea with substantial amount of energy resources. Korea also contributes to economic and industrial activities and development of Oman. Korea exports a lot of industrial products to Oman, including automobiles and high-tech electronics. A good many Korean firms are instrumental in pushing forward with infrastructure projects in Oman. Furthermore, Korea will remain a steadfast supporter for Oman’s Vision 2040, which would lead to brighter future of this great country.
It is encouraging that continuing people-to-people and cultural exchanges promote mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples. Korea looks forward to further increasing contacts and engagements between the stakeholders and communities of the two countries in this regard.
All in all, the Korean people are confident that the partnership the two countries and peoples enjoy will go from strength to strength. Korea will do her utmost to consolidate the mutual gains of the ties, building upon the achievements that our two countries have made.
Speech of Ambassador Zakariya Hamed Hilal Al Saadi of the Sultanate:
Your Excellency Kim Oh-Jin, Vice Minister for Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of the Republic of Korea
Your Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Speech of Vice Minister Kim Oh-Jin of Land, Infrastructure & Transport of Korea:
We are pleased to welcome you and express our sincere appreciation for your presence and participation in this special occasion for the Sultanate of Oman, the 53rd glorious National Day.
Celebrating the National Day of my country, the Sultanate of Oman is reflecting on the past, embracing the present, drawing inspiration for the future, mobilizing enthusiasm, honoring values, and renewing national action in all fields.
Your Excellencies, esteemed guests,
We should seize the opportunity of our meeting today to reaffirm Oman's firm position in supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people for freedom, dignity, and self-determination. The only solution lies in ending the unlawful Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establishing an independent state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on international law and the relevant United Nations resolutions, and the two-state solution is as stated in the Arab Peace Initiative.
The bilateral relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea stand as a testament to the strength of diplomacy, mutual respect, and shared interests between our two nations. Since their establishment, Oman has consistently strengthened its robust partnership with the Republic of Korea over the years, built on understanding, cooperation, and common goals. Oman values the Republic of Korea as a reliable ally across various sectors and is committed to peace. This relationship, characterized by warmth and trust, has led to significant collaboration in diverse fields such as trade, energy, ports, technology, and education, benefiting both countries immensely.
Our bilateral relations continue to witness sustained growth in various sectors, including renewable energy such as green hydrogen, solar energy, smart farming and cities, cultural cooperation and cooperation between small and medium enterprises.
The Omani economy is currently anchored in Oman Vision 2040, meticulously crafted as a fundamental guide and reference for planning activities from 2020 to 2040. This vision aims to position the Sultanate of Oman among the ranks of developed countries. Through Vision 2040, we aspire to forge a diversified, productive economy grounded in innovation, seamless role integration, equal opportunities, and strategic investment in the competitive advantages of the Sultanate of Oman. Guided by the private sector, we seek integration with the global economy and an active role in global trade, ultimately striving for comprehensive and sustainable development.
In addition, the Sultanate of Oman has embarked on a national strategy for zero carbon neutrality and energy transition. To this effect, it has exerted relentless efforts starting with the launch of the Carbon Management Laboratory in cooperation and partnership with a number of relevant governmental and private bodies, which culminated in the royal directives of His Majesty the Sultan regarding the establishment of Oman Sustainability Center. Then it announced the year 2050 to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
The Sultanate of Oman seeks to assume a leading position among the green hydrogen-producing countries in the world, based on the availability of the main components of its production including solar energy, wind energy, extended lands, and human resources.
The Sultanate of Oman has managed to take important steps to accelerate measures to regulate the hydrogen sector and develop the necessary legal frameworks and policies to develop it. It has also allocated the appropriate sites for its production in order to attract investments, localize this technology, and prepare the necessary studies. All this aims to keep pace with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions,
Thank you all again for coming today.