By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Qatar Embassy in Seoul celebrated the country’s national day on Dec. 16, on the occasion of the accession of Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, the founder of the State of Qatar.

Delivering welcome remarks at the reception held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, Qatar Ambassador to Korea Khalid Ebrahim al-Hamar said, “This year’s celebration is particularly significant as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Korea.

“These relations now have reached the stage of comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting the depth of cooperation between the two countries.”

Amb. al-Hamar said, "These two events (National Day and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations) are an opportunity to highlight the strategic relationships between the two countries. The Embassy has organized a series of events to reflect this goal, including a forum for cooperation in the field of trade and investment, QatarDay at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, a photo exhibition that highlights the bright aspects of our history and culture, in addition to its economic capabilities and achievements that are evident everywhere.” 

Over 1,000 guests, including foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, Korean government officials and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.
In his congratulatory remarks, Kang Do-hyung, the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, said, The State of Qatar marked a new milestone in Middle East history by hosting the World Cup for the first time in the Middle East in 2022 and opened another route for Qatar to connect with the world.” 

Minister Kang said, "I think Qatar's dynamism and passion to the world through the World Cup are symbolic examples of the pride and unity engraved on Qatar National Day.” 

Noting that the Republic of Korea also has the experience of making a leap into the world by showing unity and new possibilities around the world by hosting the World Cup for the first time in Asia in 2002, Kang said, "The two countries are a peninsula state surrounded by sea on three sides, and they have achieved rapid economic development despite various geopolitical difficulties.”

He also mentioned, "The State of Qatar and Korea have firmly constructed a special friendly cooperative relationship for over 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974 with trade agreements, cultural agreements, and aviation agreements.”

As part of the celebrations, a lucky draw was also held to award three of the event’s guests with Qatar Airways tickets to visit Qatar, including Managing Editor Lee Kap-soo of Diplomacy Journal.