“Korean Ambassador boosts ties, economy, and culture with Kuwait”

• Chung Byung-ha, the South Korea’s ambassador to Kuwait, expressed his feelings about departing. He said, “Now it’s my turn to leave. I have long imagined how departing ambassadors would feel standing on this stage. Now I understand that it is a mixed feeling.”

His Excellency Zubaydullo Zubaydov, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan, has praised the accomplishments of outgoing Ambassador H.E. Chung Byung-ha of the Republic of Korea. Ambassador Chung has made significant contributions since assuming his role as his country’s ambassador to Kuwait on June 5, 2021.

Ambassador Zubaydov spoke at a farewell ceremony held to mark the conclusion of Ambassador Byung-ha’s tenure in Kuwait. The ceremony took place in the afternoon at the St. Regis Hotel, attended by a large number of heads of diplomatic missions accredited to the country.

Ambassador Zubaydov highlighted Ambassador Byung-ha’s achievements, stating that during his three-year tenure, Ambassador Chung Byung-ha strengthened bilateral cooperation, deepened economic relations, and expanded cultural exchanges between the Republic of Korea and the State of Kuwait.

Ambassador Chung Byung-ha also resumed bilateral policy consultations that had been delayed by five years due to the COVID-19, Ambassador Zubaydov added. He successfully organized a meeting between the Prime Minister of Korea and the then Crown Prince of Kuwait in 2023.

Furthermore, Ambassador Zubaydov explained that Ambassador Chung Byung-ha contributed significantly to strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of energy and construction. This was evidenced by the successful completion of the clean fuel project and the Al-Zour refinery project, where Korean companies played pivotal roles. Additionally, Ambassador Chung expanded economic cooperation to include the renewable energy, smart agriculture, and healthcare sectors.

He highlighted Ambassador Byung-ha’s hosting of street food festivals, taekwondo Ambassador’s Cup competitions, and Korean film nights aimed at promoting understanding of Korean culture in Kuwait. In November 2023, the King Sejong Institute for the Korean Language opened, providing an opportunity for over 200 Kuwaitis to study the Korean language.

He mentioned that Ambassador Chung Byung-ha actively participated in various diplomatic events, becoming a highly respected guest in Diwaniya gatherings and fostering a fondness for Arab coffee.

Ambassador Zubaydov concluded by stating, “This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of energy cooperation between Korea and Kuwait. South Korea has sent the right person to Kuwait to celebrate this milestone and strengthen the relationship between the two countries.”

The Tajikistan ambassador also extended his gratitude to Abdullah Al-Yahya, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the Foreign Minister, for their cooperation and facilities provided to the diplomatic community accredited in Kuwait. He pointed out that the tasks of ambassadors in Kuwait are relatively easy because all doors are open to their communities.

Ambassador Zubaydov wished success and fulfillment to the outgoing Korean ambassador in his professional and personal endeavors.

In a heartfelt speech before the audience, South Korea’s ambassador to the country, Chung Byung-ha, expressed his feelings about departing. He said, “Now it’s my turn to leave. I have long imagined how departing ambassadors would feel standing on this stage. Now I understand that it is a mixed feeling.”

He added, “I am grateful to the Government of Kuwait, the people of Kuwait, and all of you for the support and friendship you have shown me.”

He continued, “For me, the past three years have been filled with honor and privileges as part of this distinguished diplomatic corps. I thank every member of the diplomatic corps; I believe it has become almost a family. Working together and sharing joys and sorrows, we have made good times better and difficult times easier with great solidarity.”

He added, “I feel deeply indebted to all of you for inspiring me to become a better diplomat. While we represent our countries, I believe there should be something more than that among us.”

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to H.E. ZubaydulloZubaydov, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Tajikistan, for his exemplary leadership of the diplomatic family and for treating everyone like a great brother. He also thanked the Indonesian Ambassador to the country, Lina Mariana, for her hard work and active participation in all the photos, mentioning that his Samsung mobile phone is now running out of memory space due to these photos, but it is filled with beautiful and happy memories.

He said, “Over the past three years, I have reaffirmed that Kuwait is a country full of good-hearted people, optimism, and immense potential. Therefore, I wish the State of Kuwait peace and prosperity, and I will pray for it wherever I may be.”

He extended his best wishes to everyone for great success during their time in Kuwait and in their future careers.

He concluded by saying, “It is said that true friends never part; perhaps in distance but never in heart. Your friendship will always remain in my heart until our paths cross again. Goodbye.”