South Korean Ambassador holds National Day celebration; emphasises strong partnership

Manama, HeonSang Koo, the South Korean Ambassador to Bahrain, highlighted the growing partnership between South Korea and Bahrain in trade, culture, and education. In an interview with Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the sidelines of the Embassy's celebration of the Korean National Day, the ambassador said the recently concluded Korea-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has paved the way for even stronger economic cooperation. "The Korea - GCC FTA is a significant milestone that will further enhance trade relations between South Korea and Bahrain," the Ambassador remarked. The Ambassador also highlighted the upcoming Bahrain - Korea Business Forum, an annual event that plays a key role in strengthening bilateral economic ties. The 6th edition of the Forum is scheduled to take place in Seoul on October 30. "The Forum has become a prominent platform for exploring new areas of cooperation between Bahraini and Korean businesses," he said. The event will be supported by major business communities from both nations, in cluding the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), and the Bahrain-Korea Friendship Society from Bahrain, as well as the Korea International Trade Association and Korea-Arab Society from South Korea. A highlight of the Korean national day celebration was showcasing technological and industrial expertise of leading Korean companies. Those include Samsung, Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia, all of which have a strong presence in Bahrain, underscoring the robust business ties between the two countries. In addition to the business focus, the event celebrated the vibrant cultural exchanges between Bahrain and South Korea. Ambassador HeonSang Koo shared his pride in the Embassy's initiatives to promote Korean culture in Bahrain. "We actively host a variety of cultural events, from Taekwondo competitions to Korean movie nights and Korean cuisine courses," he said. He also highlighted the role of the Manama King Sejong Institute, which offers free Korean language cou rses to Bahraini citizens and has seen over 500 enrolments annually. The Ambassador noted that the Embassy's efforts are also directed toward fostering people-to-people exchanges. He mentioned that three Bahraini students are selected each year for higher education scholarships in Korea, and various opportunities are provided to Bahraini government officials, academics, and media representatives to visit South Korea. Ambassador HeonSang Koo also spoke about the recent cultural collaborations between the two countries. One notable example was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bahrain Polytechnic to establish the King Sejong Institute Manama, further advancing academic and cultural cooperation. He also referenced the successful Chuseok event held in September, organised by Mansae Club, a Korean culture society in Bahrain, which has over 400 members. The Ambassador expressed his pride in having presented Nongak, a traditional Korean performing art, to audiences in Bahrain during the 33rd Bahrain International Music Festival. This collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) was warmly received by the Bahraini public, further strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. Source: Bahrain News Agency