Oman-korea friendship valued
MUSCAT — Kim Hwang-sik, Prime Minister of Korea hailed the wise leadership and vision of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos to achieve not only national development, but also preserve the Sultanate's cultural heritage, history and natural environment.
In an interview with Oman News Agency (ONA), he said that he conducted talks with His Majesty the Sultan and he described them as positive. He added that the talks touched on a number of current regional and international issues, as well as the importance of continuing co-operation between the two countries in fields of economy, education, culture, health, medical care, tourism and fisheries.
The Korean Prime Minister pointed out that the Sultanate managed to achieve political stability and economic development as it was ranked first in UNDP'S human development index in 2010.
He affirmed that his country is proud of the strong relations of friendship with the Sultanate.
He pointed out that there is a big opportunity to enhance relations of co-operation between the two countries in various fields, such as energy, power generation plants, technology transfer, renewable energy, in addition to the possibility of opening new avenues of cooperation in education, culture and healthcare fields.
The Korean Prime Minister furthered that the Sultanate and Korea enjoy a close friendship despite the far geographical distance separating the two countries. He added that there is a co-operation in the field of energy for over 30 years as Korea was the first country to import Omani LNG and continues to be its largest importer.
Hwang-sik pointed out that since establishing diplomatic ties in 1974, the Sultanate has always stood as a good friend of Korea. He added that over the years, the Sultanate has shown us unwavering support in the international community.
He also highlighted the major efforts exerted by the Sultanate in rescuing the Korean freighter Samho Jewelry, from pirates in January last year.
He affirmed that the Korean government and its people are grateful for this help and hope to continue these relations of partnership between the two countries in a bid to serve peace and prosperity in the region.
He added that the Sultanate has geopolitical strategic importance and the Korean government seeks to work in various directions with the Sultanate in resolving global issues that include keeping maritime security.
He hoped that his visit would renew our friendship and seek ways to further strengthen and broaden cooperation between the two countries.
The Korean Prime Minister expressed his delight over the level of economic relations between the two countries currently. He hoped to enhance and develop such relations in a manner that serves the joint interests between the Sultanate and Korea.
As for the trade balance between the two countries, he said "a balance of trade is determined by our respective economic structures, I believe our focus should not only be on finding balance, but working together in a complimentary way".
He added that the Sultanate has embarked on a path of solid economic growth and has risen as an important regional player. He said that the evidence of that is when Muscat was named the 2012 Capital of Arab Tourism and was even voted among the Lonely Planet's top ten cities to travel for 2012.
The Korean Prime Minister pointed out that the Sultanate's Government has been pursuing regional developmental projects vigorously in the Wilayat of Al Duqm and different parts of the Sultanate in a bid to diversify the prospective economic diversity in the industrial field and to achieve balanced regional development.
He affirmed that Korea is well aware of these efforts and has intentions to co-operate with the Sultanate for the success of the project being implemented in Al Duqm.
As for the total volume of bilateral trade, he pointed out that it almost tripled from $2 billion in 2004 to $5.7 billion in 2011 with increases in both import and export. He affirmed that our economic partnership has evolved.
He also affirmed that the Korean government welcomes visits of Omani officials to Korea and will provide every support if Oman wishes to hold an investment seminar in tandem with the third Korea-oman Economic Cooperation Council in Korea. He hoped more Korean companies will be able to make inroads in the Sultanate in the future.
As for the co-operation in nuclear field for peaceful purposes, the Korean Prime Minister pointed out that Korea managed to build its industry from zero.
He pointed out that his country is considered among the world-class technological know-how in nuclear energy with 21 nuclear power plants in operation producing 31 per cent of electricity in Korea and 11 new plants at home and abroad.
He also further said that Korea is well placed to share its technological expertise especially with countries that are beginning to add nuclear power to its energy mix.
He also affirmed that Korea is willing to share its experience and technological know-how in nuclear power with any country that aims to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
He said that his country is running an inspection programme of nuclear plants in Korea from 2009, inviting officials working in the nuclear industry and diplomats from countries that have co-operative relations with Korea in nuclear energy to visit these plants.
On the recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa, the Korean Prime Minister pointed out that the Korean government has been actively engaging in peace keeping efforts in the region, understanding the importance of the Middle East and North Africa in maintaining global peace and stability.
He affirmed that relations of his country with countries of the Middle East have been somewhat focused on economic co-operation and it seeks to engage in "complex diplomacy" by adding more aspects including politics, society and culture in our relations with countries of the region. — ONA
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