‘Omani-Korean relations witness development and expansion in various aspects’

Ambassador Mohamed Alharthy of the Sultanate of Oman in Seoul said, “Omani-Korean relations have witnessed development in various aspects, and expanded contribution to Korean companies in various projects in Oman.”

Speaking at a gala reception he hosted with Mrs. Azza Alharthy at the Grand Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul on Nov. 21, 2016 to celebrate the 46th National Day of Oman, Ambassador Alharthy stated, “The opportunities and investment incentives represent a motive to expand the horizons of cooperation to include other sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, tourism, mining, and fisheries, and further expand to of energy, technology, education and health.” Then he suggested, “Hence we extend our invitation to Korean companies to visit Oman and discover the investment opportunities and incentives and we assure you our support and cooperation.” (See excerpts from his speech toward the end of this report.)

In response to the welcome speech of Ambassador Alharthy, Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Spokesman/Deputy Minister Cho June-hyuck said: “In olden times, Omanis had a flourishing trade in frankincense with the Kingdom of Sheba, India, Egypt, Rome and China. Frankincense was as valuable as gold, and this led Oman to become one of the richest nations at that time.”
Then he suggested, “Today, Oman has revived its glory under the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and I firmly believe that Korea is the perfect partner for Oman to prosper, and together we can certainly move forward to an even brighter future.” (See excerpts from the congratulatory speech of Deputy Minister Cho toward the end of this report.)
There an unusually large of distinguished guests attending the reception from all walks of life as well as from the Seoul Diplomatic Corps and various other segments of the international community.

Among the Korean guests in attendance at the party, besides Deputy Minister Cho of the MOFA, were representatives from various segments of society, including the business community and the mass communications media.
Among them were Chairman Choi Hee Nam of Rawoo Corpooration and Presidents Kim Jong-Bak of Sejoong, Merry Lee of Maryam Communication, James Lee of YBYoubrain, CEO Yong Ho oh of BNT Design Group, Choi Jungwha of Hyundai Topics, Seokwon Yun of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Jae-Seung Jo of JEIS Holdings, Gunsick Lee of CMSK, Didier Beltoise CS4 Korea and Youn Byoung Eun of Aju Corporation.
From the media came publishers and editors who included Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post accompanied by his editorial and management staff.

Excerpt from the welcome speech of Ambassador Alharthy:
We would like to express our deep appreciation and thanks for honoring us today to attend the 46th anniversary of the Sultanate of Oman National Day.
The march of modern Omani renaissance continue under the wise leadership of H.M Sultan Qaboos bin Said to achieve further progress and prosperity in all aspects of life to allow the Omani citizens to fulfill their role and partnership in the development and decision-making.
Oman’s foreign policy principles are based on building bridges of friendship and cooperation with various world countries, based on mutual respect, common interests, standing always with the side of right and justice, non- interference in the affairs of others, working continuously with world countries to contribute in the settlement of disputes and conflicts through means of dialogue and negotiations and promote to spread values of tolerance, coexistence, love and peace.
Oman’s successful diplomacy in serving world peace, harmony and fraternity has gained Oman recognition from international organization and world countries at all level.
The economic policy of the Sultanate of Oman is based on annual plans, and future visions which focus on economic diversification and openness to global markets. The industrial zones and free economic zones in Oman provide many investment opportunities in various sectors, and there are many incentives including the strategic geographical location, security and political stability, beside many facilities and support to attract domestic and foreign investments.

Omani-Korean relations have witnessed development in various aspects, and expanded contribution to Korean companies in various projects in Oman. The opportunities and investment incentives represent a motive to expand the horizons of cooperation to include other sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, tourism, mining, and fisheries, and further expand to of energy, technology, education and health.
Hence we extend our invitation to Korean companies to visit Oman and discover the investment opportunities and incentives and we assure you our support and cooperation.
Oman is tourist country with diverse beautiful geographical nature, unique geological landscapes, ancient heritage, and known as the land of Sindbad the sailor and country of luban where you can feel and smell the essence of history and Arabian hospitality; we welcome all of you to Oman.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, In conclusion, we express once again, our thanks and appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other Korean government organizations, private organizations and the Korean people for their support and continued cooperation with us.
Our thanks go to you all for your presence, wishing you happiness and joy. We wish the Omani-Korean relations further development and prosperity, and the whole world stability and peace.
May peace be upon you all!

Excerpts from the congratulatory speech of Deputy Minister Cho:
I am honored to have this opportunity to speak on behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Korea on the occasion of the 46th National Day of the Sultanate of Oman.
The Republic of Korea and the Sultanate of Oman established diplomatic ties in 1974. However, our relations stretch back much further--one thousand years in fact.
According to historical records, in the 12th century when Goryeo was the ruling dynasty on the Korean Peninsula, there was active trade between Goryeo and Arab countries. And Oman was one of the important counterparts.
Omanis, who had been known for their advanced technology in ship-building and marine navigation, expanded their
businesses as far as into China and Korea. And it is believed that this trade even led to the coining of our country name of “Korea”, the traders from Oman and other Arab countries introduced “Goryeo” as “Corea”
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This kind of close relationship between the Republic of Korea and the Sultanate of Oman from the past has led to expanded bilateral cooperation today, particularly in such areas of energy and infrastructure. Since the early 1980s, Korean companies have actively participated in major construction projects while Oman has exported LNG (liquefied natural gas) to Korea.
The cooperation between the two nations has benefited both: Oman is the 2nd biggest supplier of LNG for Korea, and Korea has become Oman’s 2nd largest export partner. Likewise, I sincerely hope that this cooperation can continue beyond our traditional areas of cooperation, expanding into diverse fields such as healthcare, education, public security and tourism.
In old times, Omanis had a flourishing trade in frankincense with the Kingdom of Sheba, India, Egypt, Rome and China. Frankincense was as valuable as gold, and this led Oman to become one of the richest nations at that time.
Today, Oman has revived its glory under the reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. And I firmly believe that Korea is the perfect partner for Oman to prosper, and together we can certainly move forward to an even brighter future.
I would like to bring my remarks to a close by extending my sincere best wishes for the continued good health and happiness of His Majesty, for the even further development of the bilateral relations, and for an everlasting friendship between our two countries.

Partial list of guests in random order:
Chairman Choi Hee Nam of Rawoo Corporation, PR&Marketing Division Director Sam Ahn of Jstar Solution, Professor Hee-young Hurr of the CEO Academy of Korea Aerospace University, Director Jaeku Song of KHIDI, President Kim Jong-Bak of Sejoong, Petrochemical Plant Team/Assistant Manager Kim Ki Hyun of LG International, Petrochemical Plant Team/Senior Manager Sang Chul Lee of LG International, Professor Sae-Rohm Chay of Korea University Medical Center, Researcher Kim Kangsuk of the GCC Institute, Researcher IkRan Eum of the GCC Institute, Relocation Manager Kay Hong of Green Relocation, CEO Merry Lee of Maryam Communications, Director Lee Jong-Duk of KDIA, Project Leader Eric Hunwoo Yun of Hanwha, President James Lee of YBYoubrain, Assistant Manager Patrick H. Yun of Hanwha, CEO Yong-Ho Oh of BNT Design Group, Deputy Senior Manager Dong-Joo Kim of POSCO-Daewoo, Deputy Director Chae Won-Eun of Woongjin, Advisor Sohn Wie-Soo of Woongjin, Deputy Director-General and Head of Management & Governance Robert Dawson of Global Green Growth Institute, Director Se-Young Kwon of KKIDI, Partner Young-Jae Chang of Lee&Ko, M.D., Ph.D Wang Sheng-Min of Seoul ST. Mary’s Hospital, M.D Ok Jin-Ju of Seoul ST. Mary’s Hospital, Lt. Col. Jaeil Cho of Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Executive Vice President Sang-Real Kim of Daewoo E&C, President Dongseok Kim of MCO Trading Co, President Choi Jungwha of Hyundai Topics, Asst Manager Kim Jung-hwan of GS E&C, Prof. Lee In-seop of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Senior Manager Young-Hwa Jo of Korea National Oil Corporation, Ph.D. June Young Jung GS Caltex Corporation, Researcher Dong-Yim Lim of Duzon, Vice President Bumhee An of KNOC, CEO Heo Yun-Young of KOTRA, ICT Consultant Ph.D. Jin Ki Nam of Yonsei University, CEO Seokwon Yun of Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction, Senior Executive Vice President Ki-Pyo Hong of Daewoo E&C, Ph.D. Joong-Kwan Kim of Dongguk University, Director Seok-Ho Yun of POSCO E&C, Director Han Jang-Gun of Defense Acquisition Program Administration, President Jae-Seung Jo of JEIS Holdings, President Gunsick Lee of CMSK, Project Advisor Sunghoon Kris Moon of SUSA, President & CEO Didier Beltoise CS4 Korea, Administrative Director Do-Yeon Jin of KUMC, Supervisor Anthony Cha of Asan Medical Center, Manager Jason Bae of Asan Medical Center, President Youn Byoung-Eun of Aju Corporation, Rebom Clinic Charge Nurse Angela Lee of KUMC Anam Hospital, CEO Sean Kim of Best Life, Director of Physical Therapy Rachel Young Eun Lee of AHNKANG Hospital for Pain-free Treatment and Vice President Kim Hingduk Justin of the same hospital.