Beyond 50 years of partnership: Korea and Oman charting course for continued progress ahead

Korea and Oman established diplomatic relations on March 28, 1974. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the relations, which serves as a milestone for stocktaking earlier achievements and pursuing a future-oriented path. Joint collaboration and shared benefits have defined the partnership over the last five decades as the two countries charted their paths of modernisation and development.

In light of the earlier achievements and the mutual nature of the engagement in the following three core pillars between the two countries, I am confident that the partnership will advance beyond the next decades.

The long-standing partnership has steadily thrived on the basis of three robust pillars since 1974. The first pillar of partnership extends to political field. The common thread of commitment to peace and prosperity has prevailed throughout the last five decades to our shared benefit. The two countries have closely worked together to contribute to regional and international peace on the basis of their close and continuous coordination through bilateral channels as well as at the international fora including the United Nations.

High-level exchanges have reinforced ties. Four Prime Ministers and numerous ministers and leaders of the Korean government have visited Oman. A series of high-level dignitaries of Oman reciprocated the visits, enriching the depth and scope of our collaboration. Furthermore, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the term of 20242025, Korea looks forward to closer engagement with Oman in their common pursuit of peace and prosperity of the international community.

The second pillar is founded upon a productive economic and trade bond with dynamic growth. Korea stands as the third-largest trade partner of Oman. The considerable volume of two-way trade recorded $5.8bn as of 2023 attests to the economic ties. The Korea-gcc Free Trade Agreement and the bilateral Trade and Investment Promotion Framework concluded respectively last year on top of a series of earlier agreements will further facilitate trade and economic exchanges.

Korean firms have been privileged to contribute to development and infrastructure building projects of Oman including the dry dock and oil refinery complex in Duqm, to name just a few.

With their cutting-edge technology and proven track record, Korean firms are primed to increase their collaboration with their Omani partners.

Oman Vision 2040 aimed at Oman’s economic and industrial diversification provides pivotal guidance in steering the two countries’ mutual efforts to intensify collaboration. Korea will closely align its partnership with Vision 2040 and will remain committed to contributing to its fulfillment.

Based on the convergence of vision, Korea will continue to collaborate with Oman in keeping on track with more future-oriented partnership in such fields as renewable energy, environmental technology, agriculture, ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and healthcare.

Of particular significance is the dedication of Korea and Oman to environmental sustainability and achievement of net zero by 2050. As such, both countries share their interest in developing green hydrogen industry. Oman’s dedicated political leadership, its rich renewable energy capacities and prime geostrategic location would all add to advancing green hydrogen economy. Korean firms are participating in the projects to produce green hydrogen in Duqm and Salalah by 2030. They are also visible in renewable energy sector including solar power projects.

Last but not least, a cultural pillar is also deepening based on mutual understanding and attractions of the people of the two countries. Educational exchanges are on the rise. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) programme is an increasingly instrumental platform to facilitate educational exchanges. Cultural performances and exchanges to take place this year in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations will showcase friendship between the two people.

All in all, common value and vision are the important bedrock for any relations. Korea and Oman have proved the strength and relevance of their shared goals in guiding the five decades of fruitful partnership. The two countries will continue their collective voyage with their future-oriented vision, building on their joint success.