The Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the State of Kuwait, Counselor Kim Heejin, said the strong and enduring relations between Korea and Kuwait stand as a model of genuine friendship and a growing partnership founded on mutual respect and trust.
Speaking on Tuesday during a ceremony marking Korea’s National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day, Heejin emphasized the depth of solidarity and historical ties that unite the two friendly nations.
The event was attended by Minister of State for Municipal Affairs and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Abdul Latif Al-Mashari, Commander of the Air Defense Force Brigadier General Firas Al-Qattan representing the Ministry of Defense, along with a number of senior officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests.
The Korean diplomat went on to say, that Korea and Kuwait have stood side by side through times of change and challenge, recalling Korea’s support for Kuwait during the 1990 Iraqi invasion, when it provided financial assistance and dispatched medical and air units to aid the Kuwaiti people.
She noted that bilateral relations have flourished over the years across multiple fields, thanks to a shared vision aimed at achieving sustainable development and prosperity. The two countries, she said, share deep-rooted human values grounded in cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect.
Commenting on global developments, Heejin observed that the world today faces accelerating technological and geopolitical challenges, which require realistic and flexible diplomacy built on openness and constructive dialogue. She reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s commitment to this approach in collaboration with the international community.
The Korean diplomat also expressed her country’s appreciation for Kuwait’s balanced and humanitarian foreign policy, praising its moderation, mediation efforts, and extensive relief contributions, particularly in supporting those affected by the crisis in Gaza.
This shared humanitarian commitment, she added, deepens the partnership between the two countries in pursuit of a more peaceful and interconnected world.
Heejin reflected on her country’s journey of recovery, noting that through resilience and innovation, Korea transformed itself after the war into a global leader in technology, development, and culture. She drew parallels between Korea’s and Kuwait’s experiences in overcoming adversity and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
“Our shared history of recovery reminds us that true strength lies not only in prosperity, but in the will of people who refuse to give up,” Heejin said.
She pointed out that Korea’s vision, presented at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum recently held in Gyeongju under the theme “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, and Prosper,” aligns closely with Kuwait Vision 2035, which places human development and innovation at its core.
Heejin also noted the growing cultural exchange between the two nations, as Kuwaiti society shows increasing enthusiasm for Korean culture — from language and music to cinema and cuisine.
She remarked that shared social values, such as the importance of family and cultural sophistication, make this exchange both natural and genuine.
In conclusion, Heejin expressed her optimism for enhanced cooperation in youth empowerment and innovation, stating, “The bridge we are building is not merely one toward development, but a bridge of friendship and shared aspirations that connects the achievements of the past with the hopes of tomorrow.”
