Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Korean Consulate General in Jeddah celebrated the country's National Foundation Day at a ceremony held at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Tuesday. Consul General Nak-Young Oh and his wife received the guests who included Adel Abdulrahman Bakhsh, director of the Protocol Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Makkah region branch. "Korea and the Kingdom have developed strong ties during the last 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962. During the 1970s and 1980s, many Korean companies exerted their utmost efforts with their Saudi partners to modernize a variety of infrastructure in the Kingdom. In full flourish, the number of Korean workers amounted to hundreds of thousands, and the foreign currency earned by their sweat contributed to rapid economic development in Korea," Oh said, while welcoming the guests. "This year marks the 70th anniversary of liberation and the 67th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Korea. Over the years, Korea has weathered countless adversities and challenges from inside and outside the country," Oh said. Following the state visit by President Park Guen-hye in early March, more Korean companies are willing to cooperate with Saudi partners, he said. Saudi Arabia and Korea will further expand and deepen their strategic cooperation by solidifying mutual respect and responsible partnership under the auspices of top leaders of both countries, he added. Oh conveyed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, the Saudi government and citizens for the warm hospitality extended to the Korean community. LG Electronics, a leading and global electronic company, sponsored the reception.
