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South Korean Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Suh Sangpyo will be going back to Seoul soon. But, the steps he has taken for strengthening the bilateral relations with Pakistan, just in two and a half years, will remain bringing economic and strategic benefits to both countries. We shall hope his predecessor will take it to the next level.
At his farewell reception, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo said “As I reflect on my time here as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of honour. The warm reception and hospitality of the Pakistani people have made my personal life enjoyable, while witnessing the progress in the bilateral relations between Korea and Pakistan has been immensely rewarding.”
“When I arrived in Pakistan, the country was grappling with the challenges posed by a global pandemic and subsequent lockdown. The security concerns in the region, particularly with the Afghan Taliban’s occupation of Kabul, added an extra layer of complexity to my role, especially to ensure the safety of Koreans residing in Pakistan. Additionally, the devastating floods that struck the country further exacerbated the difficulties faced by the Pakistani people. Amidst all these obstacles, I must acknowledge the commendable efforts of the Pakistani government in effectively addressing these challenges, facilitating the advancement of bilateral relations between our two nations.”
In his tenure, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo made every effort to expedite his country’s various ministries and agencies to actively collaborate with their Pakistani counterparts across multiple sectors. We have seen much growth in the export of human resources to South Korea. Our trade has been improved as well as Korean investment in Pakistan. Several initiatives have been taken in the sectors of agriculture, cultural heritage, and climate change while the development cooperation has also improved. These partnerships have laid the foundation for significant progress in the Pakistan-South Korea relationship.
Ambassador Suh Sangpyo says that he is “proud to highlight some notable achievements and initiatives that took place during my time as Ambassador. One of the significant accomplishments was the increase in the number of Pakistani workers entering Korea, quadrupling from one thousand to four thousand. This growth signifies the strengthening ties between our nations and the increasing opportunities for employment and cultural exchange.”
Another area where substantial progress was made is trade, with the volume doubling from one billion to two billion dollars. The expansion in trade is a testament to the mutual benefits and shared economic opportunities that exist between Pakistan and Korea. Furthermore, the collaboration between Korean and Pakistani companies in the field of hydropower has opened doors for sustainable energy generation in Pakistan. Indeed, it will address the country’s energy needs.
In the tenure of Ambassador Suh Sangpyo a Pak-Korea Nutrition Centre (PKNC) was established at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). It was done in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). It is a significant step towards addressing malnutrition, particularly among women and children. This center surely will help in improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities and demonstrates our joint commitment to social development.
In times of crisis, Korea has also extended a helping hand to Pakistan. The Korean government provided two million dollars for emergency relief to assist those affected by the devastating floods. This gesture of solidarity highlights the enduring friendship between our nations and the willingness to support one another in times of need.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Suh Sangpyo believes that there is immense potential for further collaboration, particularly in the renewable energy sector. Korean investors have expressed interest in investing in solar energy generation projects in Pakistan, contributing to increased local energy capacity and meeting domestic power requirements. The recent “Pak-ROK 2022 Infrastructure Business Forum” served as a platform to explore the possibilities and discuss the potential of solar energy projects in Pakistan.
Throughout his tenure, he undoubtedly made concerted efforts to engage with Pakistani officials, businessmen, and social workers, seeking a deeper understanding of how we can foster greater cooperation and mutual benefit. However, the vastness of Pakistan and its rich cultural tapestry meant that there were always more people to meet and places to explore. His one regret is that he “could not connect with even more individuals and experience more of Pakistan’s wonders.”
Ambassador Suh Sangpyo hopes that as he prepares to depart from Islamabad, he is confident that the bond between Korea and Pakistan will continue to flourish. “Pakistan holds a significant place in Korea’s heart, and this year marks the 40th anniversary of our diplomatic ties.” Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the position of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea is filled promptly to maintain the momentum of our shared progress. The enduring friendship and the incredible journey of growth between Pakistan and Korea shall undoubtedly continue to strengthen in the years to come.
