The UAE Embassy in Seoul celebrated the 48th National Day and noted that bilateral cooperation between the both countries has increased considerably in the last decade from a strategic partnership in 2009 to a special strategic partnership last year, a top Emirati diplomat in Seoul said.

“With regard to the bilateral relations with the friendly Republic of Korea, the ties witnessed significant progress over the past decade. … As a result, the existing fields of cooperation have expanded,” UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi said at the National Day celebration held at Grand Hyatt Seoul, central Seoul, on Dec. 2, using the official name of South Korea.

According to Al Nuaimi, the visit by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, last February” opened up prospects for bilateral cooperation in the era of the ‘fourth industrial Revolution.’

The country was founded in 1971 with the unification of seven Emirates.

He also touched on the UAE’s achievements this year, which the country designated Year of Tolerance, and upbeat prospects about the Expo 2020 Dubai to serve as an opportunity to cement the country’s capabilities and capacities in the international arena.

“Our Year of Tolerance also encapsulates the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed, who believed that a successful, tolerant and progressive society can only be achieved by empowering women and ensuring their full participation in the construction of this country,” he said.

Al Nuaimi added women consist a third of the UAE’s Cabinet and a majority in the civil service sector and university graduates.

The national day event was attended by foreign envoys in Seoul, Welfare Minister Park Neung-hoo and Vice Defense Minister Park Jae-min to name a few.

In his speech, Park expressed hopes for the two countries to work together in health and medical care as Seoul looks to tap into the Middle East market.

Meanwhile, in celebration of UAE’s 48th anniversary, the façade of N. Seoul Tower, a key attraction in central Seoul, and City Hall among other buildings and sign boards in the capital were lit up with colors representing the UAE flag at night on Dec 2.

A similar lighting ceremony was arranged by the UAE government in Abu Dhabi on South Korea’s Liberation Day last August. 

By Kim Bo-gyung (lisakim425@heraldcorp.com)