To gauge the direction of cooperation between Korea and the world, Korea.net is running a series of interviews with ambassadors to Korea. To mark the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties, Kuwaiti Ambassador Bader Mohammed AlAwadi explained the relationship and cooperation between Korea and Kuwait.

By Kim Yeong Deok and Lee Jihae
Photos = Jeon Han
Videos = Kim Sunjoo and Choi Taesoon
Seoul | June 27, 2019

"Forty years is not merely a number but a reflection of the growth (of the two countries' cultures) during the past four decades."

Kuwaiti Ambassador to Korea Bader Mohammed AlAwadi said this about bilateral relations, which mark their 40th anniversary this year, in a June 27 interview with Korea.net. He said such ties are a paragon stemming from understanding, cooperation and peace built over four decades.

Predicting further growth in bilateral ties, he called the scope of Korean-Kuwaiti cooperation "infinite" and stressed Korea's key role in Kuwait Vision 2035, a national development plan announced in 2017 to diversify the Arab nation's economy, reduce its heavy oil dependence and stimulate its cultural, distribution and financial sectors.

The following are excerpts from the interview held at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Seoul.



- How would you assess the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties between Korea and Kuwait?

I am very glad that the two countries are marking the 40th anniversary of bilateral ties. Forty years is not merely a number but a reflection (of the growth of both cultures) over the past four decades. The two countries have built a special bond through the development of dialogue and cooperation, and their bilateral ties form a paragon based on understanding, cooperation and peace.

- In what sectors have the two countries actively cooperated?

Cooperation between the two countries, mainly in the oil sector, has gone on since the 1970s. To this day, Kuwait is Korea's second-largest oil supplier. Oil has been the mainstay of bilateral cooperation that lubricates relations between the two nations. The second sector is infrastructure construction. Various Korean corporations are partaking in Kuwait's infrastructure projects, which are part of the national development plan Kuwait Vision 2035.

-What kind of results has the plan seen so far?

The main achievement is the completion of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Causeway (36.6 km long). This is the world's longest bridge and was jointly built by Korean construction companies and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Public Works. It was also the first project of Kuwait Vision 2035. More than simply the world's longest bridge, the causeway is also significant for making Koreans feel the importance of their continuing role in Kuwait Vision 2035.

-In what other sector will both countries further cooperate under the plan?

That would be management. A good example is Incheon International Airport Corp.'s management of Terminal 2 at Kuwait International Airport, which began in 2018. The Kuwaiti government also wants cooperation with Korea in medical projects. For instance, we hope a Korean medical organization will manage Kuwait's new hospital as part of Kuwait Vision 2035.


-As an ambassador to South Korea, what do you think of the inter-Korean peace process?

(South) Korea is in a stage of historical significance, and I am lucky to be here at the moment of this significance. I will never forget the three inter-Korean summits, as they reminded me of the importance of world peace, and I gained valuable information and experience through them.

As a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Kuwait holds a firm stance of supporting Seoul's endeavors to fulfill the council's resolution on North Korea while at the same time achieving peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.

kyd1991@korea.kr