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South Korea opens consulate in Dubai

DUBAI - The Republic of Korea (South Korea) opened its consulate in Dubai yesterday with a pledge to further bilateral relations.

The consulate will serve the 2,000-strong expatriate Korean population of Dubai, as well as trade relations between the countries and general consular affairs, according to Republic of Korea Consul-General Kyu Ock-park.

“As Korea and the UAE, both rich in culture and economic potential, have much to offer each other, we need to broaden mutually beneficial cooperation in various areas,” he said.

“During my term of office I will strive to make a substantial contribution to further develop a future-oriented partnership between Korea and the UAE and to realise the potential for bilateral cooperation between us to the full.”

Kyu Ock-park said relations between the countries began in 1980 but had strengthened with recent visits by the leaders of each country, including a visit to South Korea last year by His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

About 50 Korean companies are established in Dubai and trade between the countries equalled $15.8 billion in 2006.

“To this end, I will make utmost efforts to expand and deepen the foundations in areas of trade, investment, financial cooperation, science and technology, tourism and culture, technology, tourism, culture and consular services,” he said.

Officials, including Head of Consular Courts Saleem Abu Sultan, Dubai Information Department CEO Shaikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Republic of Korea Ambassador for Overseas and Consular Affairs Gab Riel-oh, Republic of Korea Ambassador to the UAE Jun Jae-lee, Consul-General Kyu Ock-park and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director-General Hamad Buamin, then held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the consulate’s opening.