The embassy of Korea in Doha on Wednesday hosted a reception to mark their National Day with patriotic fervour and a music performance.
A large number of South Korean expatriates, members of international diplomatic corps in Doha and the Qatari dignitaries attended the celebrations. Chang-mo Kim, ambassador of S Korea to Qatar, along with the guests cut a cake. Earlier, the proceedings started with the national anthems of both Qatar and Korea.
HE the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr Issa bin Saad al-Jafali al-Nuaimi, HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohamed Abdul Wahed Ali al-Hammadi, Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Protocol Department director Ibrahim Fakhro, and the dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Eritrean ambassador Ali Ibrahim Ahmed were among the dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, ambassador Kim said, “Originally, Gaecheonjeol - National Foundation Day - falls on October 3 but we celebrate the National Day today since we wanted to celebrate it with the talented Korean musicians.”
“The National Foundation Day honours the foundation of Gojoseon, the first state of the Korean Peninsula about 4,300 years ago. Gaecheonjeol means "the day heaven opened its doors," symbolising the birth of the Korean nation. In Korea, the government commemorated it three weeks ago under the theme, ‘All together, benefiting the world.
“The meaning of Gaecheonjeol and the theme ‘All together, benefiting the world’ certainly bears significance for these days, since we are opening up doors of new era of peace and prosperity in the Korean Peninsula and Asia. As President Moon Jae-in said at the UN Generally Assembly, compared to the past, the Korean Peninsula has undergone a distinct change. Of course, it's an ongoing challenge as he said. However, the Republic of Korea will continue its efforts toward complete denuclearisation and permanent peace.”

A musical performance by expats during the event

Speaking of two countries’ friendly relations benefitting each other, he said: “Qatar and Korea have been maintaining the strong ties in the energy and economic sectors over the decades. Currently, Qatar is the number one LNG supplier and eighth largest foreign construction market to Korea, and Korea is the number two trade partner to Qatar. We attach great importance to this mutually beneficial partnership and I sincerely hope this cooperation between our two countries continues to grow.
“Being proud of our long history of partnership, I have to say that year 2019 is a significant year for Qatar-Korea relations. In January, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani paid an official visit to Korea, being the first head-of-state level guest of the year. The visit has contributed to enhancing bilateral co-operation and mutual trust between our two friendly countries. On that occasion, seven MoUs were signed, in various areas of mutual interests, from agriculture to smart grid technology.
“Also in January, there was a Qatar-Korea Medical Symposium in Doha. Jointly held by the Medical Services of Qatar Armed Forces and the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea, the symposium saw the medical and healthcare experts of two countries share their knowledge and experiences.
“In July, Korean Prime Minister Lee Nakyon visited Qatar and had a very productive meeting with HE the Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.”
Seven talented Korean musicians – who are active in Qatar – namely pianists Sonja Park and Kim Nayoung, flutists Lee Eunhye and Shin Jihoon, violinist Kim Taehyun, bassonist Lee Juncheol, and cellist Kim Jiyeon enthralled the gathering with their exquisite music.
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