RIYADH, 11 December 2006 — Beginning next year a series of events have been planned in the Kingdom as well as in South Korea to mark the 45th anniversary of Saudi-Korean diplomatic relations.
“We are making extensive arrangements to celebrate the anniversary in a fitting manner,†Dr. Lee Jong-Cheon, chairman of the Korea-Saudi Friendship Society (KSFS), told Arab News. Lee, who was a diplomat at the Saudi mission here, is currently on a brief visit to the Kingdom in order to meet officials from government and non-governmental organizations to plan a program to celebrate the anniversary.
“I am here to promote the activities of the KSFS in the Kingdom and to encourage greater interaction between the peoples of the two countries,†Lee said, pointing out that setting up of a Saudi village in Seoul, organizing a Saudi festival in Korea, a friendly soccer match between the two countries and an exhibition to display the significance of Saudi-Korean relations are events earmarked for 2007.
Explaining the features of the proposed Saudi village in Seoul, Lee said: “The proposed village will have apartments, Arab restaurants serving typical Saudi dishes, a mosque and other cultural settings to give a Saudi atmosphere. Such a project will make Saudi visitors feel at home.â€
Saudis are given on-arrival visas to Korea, he noted. Some 1,000 Saudis visit Korea every year. He pointed out that the game of soccer is a strong link between the two countries that could gradually pave the way for more areas of cultural cooperation.
Aimed at building a cultural bridge between the Kingdom and Korea, KSFS is also involved in exchange of visitors, arranging bilateral meetings, facilitating issuance of visas to individuals and groups and publication of books on Korean and Saudi cultures, Lee added.
More than five million Koreans have worked in the Kingdom since 1962. “Most of these Koreans like to visit the Kingdom again with their families,†he said, adding that his society also plans to bring together common interest groups from both countries. “Such interaction will go a long way in boosting cultural relations.â€
He requested the Foreign Ministry here to instruct the Saudi mission in Seoul to issue visas for such purposes. The Saudi Embassy in Seoul issues visas only to those who are recommended by Saudi sponsors in the Kingdom. “This should be extended to Korean tourists,†he added.
Lee said he had already made representations to the Saudi ambassador in Seoul regarding this matter.
Lee, who met with prominent businessmen here, said he intends to promote Saudi investment to Korea and encourage Koreans to invest in the Kingdom. Korean exports to the Kingdom are valued at $1.9 billion, while its imports from the Kingdom stood at $14.9 billion. Foreigners are treated equally with Korean nationals when purchasing land for business as well as non-business purposes. All limits on foreign investment in the local bond and money markets have already been eliminated.
Well, I am glad that S Korea and Saudi A have been so friendly, that sure helps me sleep at night.
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Cultural Events Planned to Celebrate Saudi-Korea Ties
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