Qatar's Ambassador to South Korea H E Khalid Ebrahim Al Hamar (left) and Goyang Mayor Lee Dong-hwan discuss ways to enhance cooperation between Doha and Goyang at Goyang City Hall on Friday. PIC: Sanjay Kumar/The Korea Herald
Seoul: In a meeting held at Goyang City Hall on Friday, Qatar’s Ambassador to Republic of Korea, H E Khalid Ebrahim Al Hamar, and Goyang Mayor Lee Dong-hwan discussed ways to achieve new milestones in Korea-Qatar ties.
In October 2023, the two countries elevated their relationship from a “comprehensive partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic partnership,” expanding diplomatic and security dialogue and reinforcing collaboration in defence and military affairs.
Ambassador Al Hamar emphasised that while Qatar-Korea relations have traditionally centred on economic cooperation, particularly in the gas and energy sectors, efforts are needed to broaden partnerships into other fields.
The Ambassador noted that while Korea was once mainly recognised for its economic and political importance, it has recently gained global recognition for its remarkable contributions to drama and the arts.
“Music is one of the most essential mediums for fostering cultural exchange and expanding the significance of culture between our two nations,” he said.
“Globally, Korea’s music and arts have reached the highest level of excellence,” he said.
The event also discussed forming a sister-city relationship between Doha and Goyang. “Media from both countries also have a key role in raising awareness across diverse areas between the two nations,” Al Hamar told The Korea Herald.
“Last year, to mark the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic relationship, the Goyang Cultural Foundation and the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra signed a memorandum of understanding,” said Mayor Lee, pointing to growing ties with Qatar in culture, arts, and education.
According to the Goyang city government, the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform for the first time in Korea this April at the Aram Nuri Theater in Goyang.
“I hope this performance will further strengthen the cultural and emotional bonds between our two nations,” said the mayor, praising Qatar’s success in hosting the World Cup and highlighting Goyang’s rise as a global cultural hub.
“Through mutual exchanges in culture, arts, and education, as well as strengthened global content cooperation, I hope Qatar and Goyang Special City will continue to develop a progressive and forward-looking relationship for a better future,” he said.
“We will push forward with attracting prestigious international schools to Goyang by benchmarking Qatar’s Education City to create a global educational environment,” he said.
After the official event, Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young suggested media diplomacy to engage people and expand areas of awareness.
“Above all, it is essential to further promote both human and economic exchanges,” said Choi.
