ISLAMABAD: South Korea and Pakistan were committed to strengthening bilateral relations through economic cooperation, development projects, trade and cultural exchanges, Korean Ambassador Han Sungho said on Wednesday.
Addressing a reception at his residence to mark Korea’s National Foundation Day and Armed Forces Day, the ambassador described the relationship between the two countries as one built on mutual trust and friendship, summed up by the Urdu word “Dosti”.
He said Pakistan had extended food and material assistance to South Korea even before the establishment of diplomatic relations 43 years ago. The gesture reflected the longstanding goodwill between the two nations, he added.
Mr Han said Korean agencies were contributing to Pakistan’s development in several sectors. The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) was promoting trade and economic cooperation, while the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Korea Programme on International Agriculture (KOPIA) and Korea Heritage Agency were working in areas including information technology, health, food security and cultural heritage.
He said the human resources development service of Korea was also facilitating employment opportunities for skilled Pakistanis in South Korea.
The ambassador expressed confidence that the Islamabad IT Park, renamed Daanish IT Park, would help develop Pakistan’s IT workforce and increase exports.
The facility, a project supported by the Korean government and EXIM Bank, was inaugurated on Oct 9, in the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Mr Han also highlighted growing interest in Korean language and culture among Pakistani students, including those at the National University of Modern Languages (Numl).
Emphasising that Pakistan sought stronger economic ties with South Korea, the chief guest, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who is federal minister for Parliamentary Affairs, said that his country gave significant importance to its relations with South Korea, seeking to expand economic cooperation, investment and business links between the two countries.
He praised South Korea’s transformation into a global economic and technological power, attributing its progress to innovation, human resource development and effective policymaking.
“Pakistan values Korea’s expertise in industrial development, technology, infrastructure, education and skills training,” he said, adding that there was considerable potential for cooperation in these sectors.
Tariq Fazal Chaudhry highlighted ongoing discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, saying an improved economic framework could create business opportunities and support sustainable growth in both countries.
He expressed confidence that bilateral friendship and cooperation would continue to grow.
Guests enjoyed live performances of Korean songs, dance and martial arts demonstrations, as well as Korean delicacies.
Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2026
