Emir’s visit to S Korea ‘opens new chapter in ties’

QNA/Doha

The visit of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to South Korea this month was a historic moment for bilateral relations, the country’s Ambassador to Qatar Chung Keejong has said. 

Speaking at a seminar held by the Diplomatic Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on relations between the State of Qatar and South Korea, the ambassador said that the Emir’s visit set the stage for a new phase in bilateral co-operation between both countries in all fields. 

Diplomatic relations were established between the two countries back in 1972. Diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries have flourished since then.  Co-operation in different fields such as finance, business and trade grew significantly since 1992. Since his arrival in 2012, the ambassador adds, co-operation has grown in the environmental field as well. 

Bilateral relations between the two countries, the ambassador continued, is based on two main pillars -  construction and energy. Trade volume reached $27bn in 2013 between both countries. It is expected to cross the $30bn mark in 2014. Qatar is South Korea’s second largest exporter of energy, particularly LNG.

He stressed that South Korea is fully behind holding World Cup 2022 in Qatar, and will look to share its experience in that field.