Tazeen Akhtar
Pakistan and Republic of Korea are determined and agreed on to take the bilateral cooperation to next level in coming days.Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed has expressed keenness of Pakistan for enhanced cooperation with Republic of Korea while Ambassador Park Ki-jun has shared that Pakistan channelizing all its vigor to national progress is moving forward toward a bright future.RoK is ready to support and participate in Pakistan’s endeavors. The bond between both countries has deepened and diversified, spanning areas from politics and economy to culture and collaborative development.
The officials shared these views in their addresses to the guests at a reception on 26 Oct 2023 hosted by Ambassador Park Ki-jun at his residence in connection with the National Foundation Day, Armed Forces Day of RoK and 40th Anniversary of RoK-Pakistan diplomatic relations that were established in 1983.
Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Muhammad Sami Saeed was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Murtaza Solangi, Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Kamran Tessori,Governor Sindh,Ahmed Hanif Orakzai, Federal Secretary for Interprovincial Coordination, Zeeshan Khanzada and Keeshoo Bai the Senators of Pakistan,the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ameer Khurram Rathore, other officials of GoP, Diplomats, Representatives of business community and the press persons also attended the celebration.
Minister Sami Saeed in his speech, congratulated RoK, the people, the government and the ambassador on their national and armed forces days.
He expressed his satisfaction on the upward trajectory of bilateral relations and cooperation.He noted that the relations in last four decades consist of cooperation in economic, education, industrial, science & technology, energy, IT, defence, maritime and business sectors.
“Our cooperation is set to increase, bilateral trade to enhance in the future as there is huge potential for cooperation in diverse areas and the two sides should take maximum advantage of this for the collective good of their people, said the Minister.
The minister mentioned about think tank Korea Development Institute (KDI), that played key role in laying the foundation for economic development and advancement of RoK. He said that there are lessons to be learnt from Korea’s journey towards success and Pakistan looks for enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Ambassador Park Ki-jun, in his welcome address noted :
“Pakistan is channeling all its vigor towards national progress. Korea, with its wealth of experience and technological advancement, stands ready to support and partake in Pakistan’s endeavors. He mentioned that Korea is committed to fostering a partnership that reaps mutual benefits, ensuring our combined strengths produce greater results. The Korean embassy, too, is dedicated to this shared vision.”
“I seeks continued support and goodwill as they embark on this new 40-year chapter of collaboration between Korea and Pakistan.Since 1983, the bond between both countries has deepened and diversified, spanning areas from politics and economy to culture and collaborative development, Ambassador continued.
“ As we reflect upon our shared journey, it is essential to not only value our past accomplishments but also to set our sights on a future filled with bright new promises. Our aspiration should not be limited to the current status of ‘friendship and cooperation’, but should aim to elevate it further, creating a bond that stands strong through time and challenges, Mr. Park Ki-jun concluded.
Taekwondo and K-Pop performances by the Pakistani youth were also part of the event. The guests enjoyed the demonstrations and gave the youth huge applause for their skills and dedication.
Separately , an exhibition was also organized showcasing ’40 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Pakistan’ by the Department of Archeology and Museum (DOAM) in collaboration with the Embassy of RoK.
In the opening session, notable speakers were Park Ki-jun, the Korean Ambassador, a representative from the National Heritage and Culture Division in Islamabad, the Executive Director of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (KCHF), and Dr. Abdul Azeem, the Director General of DOAM.
The exhibition’s purpose was to commemorate the 40-year diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.
During his address, the Joint Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division emphasized that the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and South Korea, developed over four decades, had resulted in substantial advancements in their bilateral relations.
He highlighted that Pakistan and Korea both had a shared interest in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous South Asia and had worked together in various multilateral forums.
He stressed the broad spectrum of cooperation between Pakistan and Korea, encompassing areas such as cultural heritage.
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