Tazeen Akhtar
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted a grand reception at the Ambassador’s residence to celebrate the Korean National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day together under the bright moonlight October sky of Islamabad.
The Chief Guest was Honorable Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs while Federal Minister Investment Qaisar Ahmed Shaikh and Minister of State for Law and HR Barrister Aqeel Malik was also present.
Mr. and Mrs. Han Sungho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea hosted the reception that was attened by a large number of Parliamentarians, diplomats, officials, businessmen and media persons. Among the parliamentarians , prominent were Isphanyar Bhandara MNA, Farah Naz Akbar MNA, Sehar Kamran Senator.
The Chief Guest – Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry extended warmest felicitations to H.E. Han Sungho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan on behalf of Government and people of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan attaches great significance to its relations with Korea. He lauded Korea’s remarkable economic transformation from post-war challenges to becoming a global economic and technological powerhouse as a story of resilience, innovation, human capital development and visionary policymaking.
He said Pakistan greatly values Korea’s experience in industrial development, technology, innovation, infrastructure, education and skills development and sees considerable scope for greater cooperation.
On bilateral ties, he said relations have steadily expanded in political, economic, trade, investment, HRD and people-to-people cooperation. Pakistan is keen to elevate the relationship with emphasis on expanding economic and investment cooperation, strengthening B2B linkages and human resource development.
He attached great importance to ongoing efforts for enhancing bilateral economic framework, including discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). He appreciated development cooperation extended through KOICA. Korea’s development experience in capacity-building and institutional strengthening has made meaningful contribution to Pakistan’s development efforts.
Ambassador Han Sungho, in his welcome address said, since establishment of diplomatic relations 43 years ago, Korea and Pakistan have worked closely based on mutual trust and friendship.”If I were to describe the essence of this 43-year journey in a single word, it would be ‘Dosti’ – the Urdu word for true friendship.”
He reminded that the story of Dosti stretches beyond 43 years. During the Korean War in 1950, even before diplomatic relations were established, Pakistan stood by the people of South Korea, extending food and material aid. That early act was not just a diplomatic gesture but a profound expression of shared belief in resilience and peace.
“Today, seeing Republic of Korea stand as a beacon of innovation, prosperity and democracy, we are fully committed to return the goodwill and support in that true spirit of Dosti,” he said.
Introducing Korea One Team:
Ambassador introduced Korean diplomatic and public agencies working in Pakistan: Karachi Office led by Consul General Joohoon Kim – promoting economic, commercial and cultural exchanges with Sindh.
KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency) in Karachi driving economic cooperation and trade.
In Islamabad, KOICA, KOPIA (Korea Program on International Agriculture), and KHA (Korea Heritage Agency) carrying out development cooperation in IT, health, food security and cultural heritage.
HRD Korea (Human Resources Development Service of Korea) supporting dispatch of skilled Pakistanis to Korea.
“Together, our Embassy is committed to form a ‘Korea One Team’ and will strive to make the bilateral relationship more future-oriented and mutually beneficial,” he said.
Two Major Celebrations on Same Day:Hangeul Day: Last October 9th was deeply meaningful – marking both the 580th anniversary of the promulgation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet by King Sejong the Great, and the centennial of Hangeul Day.
He noted growing number of Pakistani students, including at NUML University, passionately learning Korean language.
Islamabad IT Park Inauguration:
On the very same day, the Islamabad IT Park, a flagship EDCF project by Korean Government and EXIM Bank, was inaugurated, graced by PM Shehbaz Sharif. Now renamed as Daanish IT Park, it will empower Pakistan’s young IT professionals and boost IT exports.
Concluding, he said:As we walk this path of shared history and future, may the bond of Dosti between Korea and Pakistan grow ever deeper.
The evening featured delightful performances by Pakistani friends, authentic Korean cuisine, and a video showcase of Korea’s advanced defence industry and technology.
Pakistani and Korean youth presented cultural items to the amusement of the guests and recieved huge applause. Korean marshal arts demonstration was also part of the event. The spacious lawn of the residence was decorated with national colors and culture that enrighed the festive atmosphere. The food served was mouthwatering and the guest admired the arrangements of the embassy.
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