Doha, Qatar: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Qatar hosted the 2025 Korean National Day reception yesterday at the Andaz Hotel in Doha.

The event was attended by Minister of Environment and Climate Change HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, Minister of State H E Eng. Essa bin Hilal Al-Kuwari, Director of the Protocol Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhroo, and Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam H E Mohamed Bahrin Abu Bakar.

Distinguished guests, diplomats, business representatives, and members of the Korean community also attended the celebration.

This year's event showcased Korea's rich cultural heritage, dynamic economy, and remarkable achievements, while reflecting the nation's trademark warmth and hospitality.

In his address, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea H E Hyunsoo Yun highlighted the enduring friendship and deepening cooperation between Korea and Qatar across multiple fields.

His Excellency recalled the strong trading and energy partnership between the two nations over the past year, as well as their shared commitment to sustainability and advanced technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). He underlined Qatar's aim to position itself as a global AI hub, while South Korea aspires to become a world-leading AI power.

“This is just an example of how Korea and Qatar realize the comprehensive strategic partnership,” His Excellency stated.

The Ambassador also commended Qatar's steadfast commitment to mediation and its vital role for dialogue in the Gaza conflict.

“We appreciate Qatar's pivotal role as a mediator, from ceasefire to the next stages, toward a permanent peace arrangement. Qatar's unwavering commitments to dialogue and peace remain indispensable to ending the cycle of violence and creating a better pathway to stability,” His Excellency said.

The evening commenced with a ceremonial cake cutting, followed by an immersive cultural program featuring captivating performances and the harmonious blend of traditional and modern Korean music and dance.

Highlights included performances by the Jindo National Gugak Centre and the modern B-boy dance group Expression Crew, who energized the audience with renditions of viral K-pop hits such as“Soda Pop” and“APT” by Korean singer Rosé.

The reception also featured an exhibition of prominent Korean innovations, with booths from leading companies operating in Qatar, including LG, Samsung, KIA, and the Korean Medical Center. Guests were further treated to Korea's renowned culinary offerings which are celebrated worldwide for their distinctive flavors.

In closing, the Ambassador shared an inspiring reflection to set the tone for the evening.“A bell is not a bell until you ring it. A song is no song until you sing it. Love isn't love until you give it away,” the Ambassador quoted.

“We support actions. We support peace makers. We work with wealth makers. We are partnering with any friends to end poverty and enjoy prosperity together.

MENAFN11112025000063011010ID1110324947