Progress of Oman-South Korea praiseworthy, says envoy

Muscat: Ties between the Sultanate and South Korea have deepened in many fields, said the country’s Ambassador to the Sultanate.
“During my tenure, our relations have deepened further in many fields, such as through the continued participation of Korean companies in major infrastructure construction projects in all major cities of Oman, that is, Muscat, Duqm, Sohar, Musandam, Salalah, even in Masirah island,” Kim Daesik said while addressing the guests who had come to bid farewell to him.
“The relationship between our two countries has never been in such an excellent shape and I am leaving the Sultanate with that satisfaction,” he added.
He also said the visit of a high-level delegation of political and economic leaders from both countries was active during his period, which had helped in the bilateral relationship.
According to Daesik, the cultural ties between the two states also witnessed a growth during his time. “My embassy has organised a variety of events to introduce Korean culture and modern society to Omanis,” the ambassador said.
“We have introduced traditional music, traditional and modern dance, modern ballets, the martial arts of Taekwando, Korean food, Korean movies and so on to the Sultanate,” he added.
Speaking about the people-to-people exchanges, the ambassador said, “I have happily witnessed an increase in people-to-people exchanges.”
“Every year, 40 university students from both countries have visited either country to learn since 2014,” the ambassador said.
“Three seats of scholarship have been offered annually to the Omani people for Masters and Doctoral courses,” Daesik asserted.
“Oman and Korea has even started to develop the Scouts cooperation for the young and future generation,” he continued while commenting on people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
He also spotted the new areas that have added to the cooperation between Oman and Korea, such as Police Training, Digital Security, Marine Farm and Fishery, Preservation of valuable government documents and archives.
He also mentioned the construction of the new embassy building, which had begun construction during his period.
“Though delayed, the progress has been made gradually and is now almost in its final stage. In three months time, my successor may attend an opening ceremony,” he asserted.
Daesik thanked all Omani government officials from different ministries for their unsparing support and help with his work.
“Further, not only for the government, but also for all the wonderful people whom I met from economic, cultural, media and academic circles,” he added.
Daesik also praised the natural beauty of Oman in his farewell speech.
He closed his speech by wishing continued great leadership and longevity of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, more prosperity for the Sultanate of Oman, and an everlasting friendship and cooperation between Oman and Korea. Government officials and ambassadors going to other friendly nations were also there to say goodbye to the ambassador.