Kuwait, a crown jewel etched in my heart forever

By Rabih Kalas
Special to The Times Kuwait

Ahead of bidding adieu to Kuwait, South Korean Ambassador H.E. Chung Byung-ha,  reflects on  his three-year tenure in this country. He expresses nostalgia over the kindness of friends, his visits to Diwaniya gatherings, and recollects the flavorsome Majboos, and the serene Nuer weather.

In an exclusive interview ahead of his departure, Ambassador Byung-ha, expressed his deep sentiments for Kuwait, its hospitality, cuisines, and its role as an advocate of peace in the region. He also highlighted his efforts to promote Korean culture through various cultural events and expressed fondness for Kuwaiti hospitality, cuisine, and the country’s role as a peace advocate in the Gulf region.

Ambassador Byung-ha, began the interview by telling us how he spent his tenure of more than three years in Kuwait. “It has been a tremendous source of pride and honor to have represented my country, Korea, in Kuwait over the past three years. I have never experienced such profound pride and honor throughout my diplomatic career. During this period, I had the privilege of meeting many Kuwaiti and other friends.

“Kuwait is known for its ease of social interaction, thanks to the openness of its society to the world. The warm reception in homes and diwaniyas, where guests are treated with great kindness, is particularly noteworthy. These factors greatly encourage diplomatic activities and initiatives.

“I can confidently say that the diplomatic corps here is very special, united, and supportive, which significantly contributes to promoting cultural and diplomatic life in the country.

“I will miss many aspects of life in Kuwait, such as Kuwaiti foods such as Majbous, the winter rains, and the yellow flowers of the Nuer. I will also greatly miss visiting Diwaniyas and enjoying Arabic coffee. I am concerned that I won’t be able to find Arabic coffee in Seoul. Above all, I will miss the friends in Kuwait who treated me with kindness and warmth.”

He noted that during his tenure as ambassador, he had exerted utmost efforts to strengthen relations between Korea and Kuwait in all domains. He added, “At the economic and political levels, bilateral relations between Korea and Kuwait have seen significant development and growth. Mutual understanding and trust between our countries and peoples have also been pivotal in strengthening cooperative ties.

“During my time at the embassy, I dedicated myself to organizing numerous cultural events to introduce and promote Korean culture to the friendly Kuwaiti people.

“Looking ahead, the embassy plans to host various events in the second half of this year to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 60th anniversary of energy cooperation between Korea and Kuwait.

“I am also delighted by the increasing interest among Kuwaitis in understanding Korean culture, and I am proud to have served as a bridge enhancing communication between our nations.

“The warm reception and genuine kindness shown by my Kuwaiti friends, particularly during visits to diwaniyas, have left a deep impression on me. It’s impossible not to hold them dear.”

Asked who would be the next Korean ambassador to Kuwait, the incumbent said, “I cannot disclose details at the moment, but the new Korean ambassador, a distinguished diplomat, will arrive soon. I am confident that they will greatly contribute to supporting and strengthening bilateral relations between our two countries.”

The ambassador was also full of praise for Kuwait’s foreign policy that aimed to address regional and international affairs through diplomacy and discussions. He elaborated, “Kuwait is a peace-loving country and a cornerstone among Gulf nations, significantly contributing to regional and international peace, security, and development through humanitarian aid and efforts to resolve conflicts. I hope Kuwait’s stature as a central Gulf state and a hub for humanitarian work continues to grow under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and  His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

“Kuwait holds a special place in my heart as my second home, and I look forward to returning one day to witness further development and prosperity.

Turning to tourism in Korea and highlighting the increasing number of Kuwaitis traveling to his country on personal, leisure,and business  visits, the Korean envoy said: “I hope more Kuwaiti citizens will consider visiting South Korea. Those planning to travel to South Korea need to obtain an electronic travel permit (K-ETA) instead of a visa. Currently, the Korean government has temporarily exempted citizens of certain countries from needing a K-ETA, making it an opportune time to visit South Korea.”

The Korean ambassador concluded the interview on a personal note by stating, “The experience of working in Kuwait over the past three years will forever be etched in my heart and cherished in my mind. I sincerely thank and express my gratitude to the Kuwaiti people, and although my assignment here has ended, I eagerly anticipate Kuwait’s continued development and prosperity. Kuwait holds a special place as my second home, and I hope to visit again one day.”