Nearly 400 Korean community members in Qatar took part in an annual get-together. The event was organised by the Korean Community of Qatar, a forum established 30 years ago. South Korean ambassador Keejong Chung, in his address, urged the community to strengthen bilateral relations with Qatar. “Bilateral trade has increased to $21bn in 2011 from $13bn in 2010,” he pointed out while observing that both countries share values. “We hope our trade and cultural relations will continue to strengthen year after year,” he said while recalling a very successful visit to Qatar by the South Korean President in February this year and ministerial meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference hosted recently by Qatar. Lee Mal Jae, chairman of the forum lauded the vision of the Qatari leadership. He said his community specially the business sector is proud of the significant role it is playing in the development of Qatar. Jae advised community members to keep working hard to build close relations between Korea and Qatar. A group of 50 young children headed by principal Prof Sunhee Yoon of Korean Language School participated in a colourful stage show on the occasion. They sang Christmas carols and other songs. A quiz, raffle draw and stage performances were also held. Participants included Soobeen-Kim & Yeoeun-Kim (flute), Yoo-bin Kim, Yoo-ho Kim, Sung-zi Chun, Lim Jong Sung, Dong-Wan Lyu, Sung Hyun Cho, Jae-Cheol Lee, Jang Jong Sun and Lee Ho Yeol. Lee Jong Sul, on behalf of the organising committee, thanked the sponsors, including Qatar Airways, KIA, RasGas, Hyundai, SSangYong, Korean Contractors Association and Korean Business Society.