KUWAIT CITY, July 19: Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait Park, Chongsuk has affirmed that South Korea and Kuwait are working together in many sectors like airport operations, smart agriculture, smart cities, healthcare and renewable energy.

In an interview with the newspaper, Ambassador Park stated that both countries aspire to become reliable strategic partners to jointly prepare for the future. He said South Korea remains committed to actively support the realization of Kuwait Vision 2035; particularly in the areas of economic diversification, renewable energy and housing development.

He asserted “we will continue our close cooperation in pursuit of peace and stability regionally and globally, as two peace-loving countries and active members of the international community. There is strong coordination between South Korea and Kuwait on the international stage, based on mutual trust. Kuwait has consistently provided humanitarian aid, prompting the United Nations to declare it as a ‘Humanitarian Center’ and HH the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad as a Humanitarian Leader in 2014.” He also disclosed that “South Korea contributed significantly during the Gulf War, donating $500 million and sending medical and air units.”

He added “the two sides are discussing the amendment of existing agreements, such as the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement, and the possibility of concluding new memoranda of understanding to promote trade and investment. Discussions are underway to explore potential areas of cooperation in various sectors. A prominent example of this is the smart city project in South Saad Al-Abdullah, where South Korea has been working with Kuwait since 2017 to integrate its expertise in urban development and digital technologies into the planning, design and construction of the city.”

Following are excerpts of the interview:

Answer: This year, the two countries celebrate the 46th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of their constructive partnership. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979, the two countries have been working hard to consolidate a friendship based on trust, which gradually evolved into a comprehensive, future-oriented partnership built on mutual benefit. Currently, the two countries work together in many sectors like airport operations, smart agriculture, smart cities, healthcare and renewable energy. The two countries aspire to become reliable strategic partners to jointly prepare for the future. South Korea is committed to actively supporting Kuwait’s Vision 2035, particularly in economic diversification, renewable energy and housing. We will also continue our close cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace and stability, as two peace-loving countries and active members of the international community.

A: The two countries meet regularly through political consultations at the Assistant Foreign Ministers level. The fourth round was held in Seoul in May 2023, during which they discussed a wide range of topics, including high-level exchanges, cooperation in various sectors, regional developments, and joint coordination in international forums. The two sides discussed progress made in key areas such as trade, energy, construction, health, agriculture and defense. The fifth round of political consultations is expected to be held in the second half of this year. There is strong coordination between the two countries on the international stage, based on mutual trust. Kuwait has consistently provided humanitarian assistance, such that the United Nations declared Kuwait as a ‘Humanitarian Center’ and HH the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad as a Humanitarian Leader in 2014.

A: South Korea and Kuwait maintain an annual trade volume of $10 billion. South Korea is Kuwait’s second-largest energy importer, meaning the two countries have more than six decades of strong cooperation in the energy sector. Kuwait imports automobiles and industrial equipment for construction projects from South Korea. In recent years, its imports have expanded to include cosmetics and other diverse sectors. South Korean construction companies have entered Kuwait and participated in major national projects. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first South Korean company awarded a construction project in Kuwait -- in 1975. Over the past five decades, South Korean companies have implemented projects valued at around $50 billion. We look forward to closer and more cooperation in the future.

A: South Korea and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) concluded their negotiations on a free trade agreement in 2023. It is now in its final stages, awaiting official signing and completion of ratification procedures. The agreement, once implemented, will contribute significantly to enhancing economic exchanges between South Korea and the GCC countries, including Kuwait. The two countries are discussing the possibility of amending existing agreements -- such as the Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement; as well as concluding new memoranda of understanding through the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF).

A: South Korea and Kuwait are interest in developing the digital economy. Discussions are underway to explore potential areas of cooperation in different sectors. One example is the smart city project in the new South Saad Al-Abdullah City. South Korea has been working with Kuwait since 2017 to integrate its expertise in city development and digital technologies into the planning, design and construction of the city. A delegation from the Financial Services Commission in South Korea visited Kuwait last year to discuss cooperation in the field of digital government. To further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the digital economy, the South Korean Embassy is currently studying the possibility of organizing a symposium on this topic before the end of this year.

A: South Korean companies have played a prominent role in implementing many major development projects and have contributed to several projects within Kuwait’s Vision 2035, such as the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Causeway, Al-Zour Refinery, Environmental Fuels Project, and LNG Import Terminal. In addition, they have also contributed to the construction sector. The South Korean company -- Incheon International Airport Company -- has been operating Terminal Four at Kuwait International Airport since 2018, while Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) is designing the master plan for the new South Saad Al-Abdullah City. HanmiGlobal is also seeking to participate in the management of one of the new city projects. Discussions are currently underway in various fields. We hope to expand the scope of cooperation to include new areas, such as renewable energy and high-speed trains.

A: As previously mentioned, LH is managing the South Saad Al-Abdullah City project and is currently studying the possibility of participating in investment and development opportunities in the city. With the Kuwaiti government recently amending laws allowing private sector participation in housing development, along with work on enacting a mortgage law; the business environment in Kuwait is witnessing a marked improvement. Based on the new cities project, we expect South Korean companies to expand their participation in large-scale projects like the development of the northern areas and other major urban projects.

A: The South Korean Embassy has been organizing the Kuwait-Korea Smart Cities Forum annually since 2017, with the aim of identifying and expanding new areas of cooperation. During the forum, many topics beyond smart cities are discussed, such as renewable energy and smart agriculture. Furthermore, South Korea offers the Knowledge Exchange Program (KSP), which aims to exchange development and policy expertise with partner countries.

A: Generally, Kuwaiti citizens are permitted to travel to South Korea for tourism, business or international events without a prior visa for a stay of up to 90 days via the Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) system. However, as of 2024, Kuwait has become a country temporarily exempt from the K-ETA requirement. Kuwaitis can now enter South Korea without the electronic travel authorization.

A: Tourism between Korea and Kuwait witnessed steady growth in recent years in light of the success of the ‘Visit Korea 2023-2024’ campaign, which significantly increased Kuwaiti interest in South Korea. This positive trend continued in 2025. More than 4,400 Kuwaitis visited Korea in 2024, and this number is expected to increase with the facilitation of travel procedures. In an effort to enhance this increase, the South Korean government extended the exemption for Kuwaiti citizens from the electronic travel authorization (K-ETA) requirement until 2025.

A: Participating in an annual tree-planting event in Ahmadi, which was organized by the embassy in cooperation with the South Korean community and Kuwait Oil Company. A special area was designated for the South Korean community residing in Kuwait. I watched them voluntarily participate in the event. Working together with our Kuwaiti partners to protect the environment was a deeply moving experience. This initiative also reflects a broader vision I believe in -- establishing joint development cooperation between South Korea and Kuwait to support developing countries. The embassy is planning initiatives to promote cultural exchange, including the South Korean Food Festival in the second half of 2025.

A: A significant increase in interest in learning the South Korean language among Kuwaiti youths was observed in recent years, thanks to the growing popularity of South Korean culture worldwide like K-pop music, drama and South Korean cuisine. Many young Kuwaitis are showing a strong desire to engage with South Korean culture more deeply, and learning the South Korean language has become a natural extension of this interest. The embassy works closely with King Sejong Institute Foundation to offer language courses. words into action by working collectively and in cooperation with EU member states.

A: Tens of thousands of Kuwaitis visit Europe annually. In recognition of this special relationship, the European Union implemented more lenient Schengen visa rules for Kuwaiti citizens in 2023; granting them multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years. Visa exemption for Kuwaitis remains one of my primary goals.

A: Both the European Union and Kuwait are major humanitarian actors supporting the most vulnerable groups around the world, in cooperation with the United Nations and multilateral organizations. Earlier this year, Director General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations at the European Commission Maciej Popowski visited Kuwait. During his meeting with Kuwaiti officials, the two parties agreed to continue cooperation during humanitarian crises and strengthen multilateral action.

A: The European Union is looking forward to strengthening its economic and trade partnerships with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including Kuwait. During the first EU-GCC Summit last year, the leaders of the 27 EU member states and the six GCC member states affirmed their shared interest in establishing trade relations. A thriving and mutually beneficial investment relationship is developed through multilateral frameworks as needed. In this context, the European Union launched the European Chamber of Commerce in the Gulf last year, headquartered in Riyadh. This chamber serves as a platform for enhancing trade cooperation and promoting investment and trade exchange between the EU and the Gulf countries, including Kuwait. Kuwait is expected to host the EU-GCC Business Forum later this year, which will provide Kuwaiti companies with the opportunity to build cooperative networks with their European counterparts.

A: Cooperation between the EU and the GCC, including Kuwait, has witnessed significant development and expansion in several areas like economics, politics and security. Both parties recognize the strategic importance of cooperation in addressing common challenges; such as trade, energy sustainability, regional stability and security concerns. On the security and intelligence cooperation front, the two sides expressed a shared interest in strengthening their partnership; driven by a desire to ensure regional stability, combat terrorism and address cross-border challenges like cybercrime, arms proliferation and human trafficking. Several practical initiatives and dialogue mechanisms have been launched to support this cooperation, including the EU-GCC High-Level Regional Security Dialogue, which was held for the first time last year in Riyadh and is scheduled to be held again this year in Brussels. As part of joint efforts to address security challenges and promote regional stability, the European Union launched the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES naval operation to protect freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf, including vessels using Kuwaiti ports. The mission of this operation, within its defense mandate, is to enhance maritime awareness, escort ships, and protect them from potential attacks at sea.

A: The agenda for the next ministerial meeting between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), scheduled to be held in Kuwait in October, is still being prepared. I expect the meeting to tackle several vital issues that are considered regional priorities and the broader geopolitical context. This meeting will build on the success of the first EUGCC summit held in Brussels last October. During that historic summit, leaders agreed to strengthen trade and investment relations, cooperate in the fields of energy and green transition, expand cooperation in the fields of digitalization and innovation like artificial intelligence, strengthen peopleto- people ties, and expansion of academic and research partnerships. Security discussions also touched on issues such as Ukraine, Gaza, the two-state solution, Lebanon, Iran, and maritime security in the Red Sea. Both sides emphasized the need to strengthen security cooperation and combat terrorism.

A: The European Union believes that fair trade is a key driver of global prosperity. The EU-GCC Summit last October affirmed the shared goal of establishing a prosperous and mutually beneficial trade and investment relationship. We intend to continue discussions at the regional level with the aim of reaching a free trade agreement between the EU and the GCC. At the same time, the EU is open to strengthening its bilateral relations with the GCC countries, including Kuwait, and elevating our strategic partnerships to new levels.

A: As the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Kuwait plays a key role in advancing our strategic partnership, building on the first EU-GCC Summit held in Brussels last year. I am pleased that Kuwait will host the 29th EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting later this year. The Ninth EU-GCC Business Forum will also be held in Kuwait at the end of this year.

Q: Do you believe that cooperation in renewable energy between the Gulf and the EU is progressing at the desired pace?

A: Cooperation between the EU and the Gulf countries in the field of green transition and renewable energy is witnessing significant progress. Relations between the two sides have strengthened through dialogue, partnerships and investments. European companies often cooperate on solar and wind energy projects in the Gulf. For example, in 2023, the European Union launched the ‘EU-GCC Green Transition Cooperation’ project in order to strengthen cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable resource management. Since then, I have been proud of collaborations between the EU and various sectors of government and society in Kuwait, resulting in many successful projects and activities over the past two years. There is a strong desire in Kuwait -- particularly among the business community, civil society and the younger generation -- to accelerate the green transformation process. I am confident that we can do more together.

By Fares Ghaleb
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff