Oman National Day Celebrated in Seoul, Marking 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Korea

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Korea celebrated its National Day with a distinguished reception at the Lotte Hotel Seoul. This year’s event held special significance, as it commemorated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Oman and Korea—a milestone reflecting five decades of friendship, mutual respect, and expanding cooperation.

Oman, known for its rich maritime heritage, strategic location on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, and longstanding tradition of peaceful diplomacy, has emerged as a key partner in the Middle East. Under the visionary leadership of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the nation continues to pursue balanced foreign policy, economic diversification, and sustainable development through its “Oman Vision 2040.”

Over the past half-century, Korea and Oman have built strong ties grounded in energy cooperation, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Korea has been a major importer of Omani LNG and crude oil, while Omani students, tourists, and entrepreneurs increasingly connect with Korean society.

At the ceremony, Mr. Lee Jae-woong, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered congratulatory remarks on behalf of the Korean government, underscoring the enduring partnership and future potential between the two nations.

Here is the speech of the Ambassador.

It gives us great pleasure to welcome you all and to express our sincere appreciation for your presence and participation in this cherished occasion — the Glorious National Day — which embodies the celebration of Oman’s rich history, dating back to the founding of the Al Bu Said State on November 20, 1744, when the founder Imam Ahmad bin Said Al Busaidi unified the nation’s banner and laid the foundations of the modern Omani state based on sovereignty, unity, and dignity.

This occasion is also an opportunity to honor the Sultans of Oman who have faithfully shouldered their responsibility across generations, preserving the country’s unity and prosperity while strengthening its civilizational and humanitarian presence regionally and internationally. On this glorious National Day, we also celebrate the journey of our beloved homeland, the Sultanate of Oman, and the many achievements realized since the dawn of the Renaissance in 1970, established by the late His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, and proudly continued today under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik.

His Majesty’s renewed vision strikes a balance between authenticity and modernity, paving the way for a future of greater prosperity and sustainability. Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, the Sultanate of Oman has established a firm diplomatic approach grounded in positive neutrality, balance, dialogue, and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law. In this context, the Sultanate of Oman reaffirms its unwavering position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy. Oman calls upon the international community to work earnestly toward implementing the two-state solution as the just and only path to achieving comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

On this occasion, we are pleased to reflect on the depth of Oman–Korea relations, which stand as a distinguished model of friendship and cooperation founded on mutual respect and shared interests. The year 2025 witnessed steady growth in the trajectory of relations between our two friendly nations, driven by mutual trust and a shared vision for greater prosperity and sustainability. This was evident in the diplomatic momentum seen through the exchange of official visits and the strengthening of political and economic consultation channels between the two sides.

The celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations—extending from last year—further highlighted the deep historical ties linking the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea since 1974. Economically, the bilateral partnership maintained its steady and constructive growth, with trade volumes exceeding USD 5.66 billion, while Korean investments expanded in key sectors such as energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure, in alignment with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.

The year 2025 also witnessed tangible progress in green hydrogen projects, with active Korean participation that underscores the shared commitment of both nations to leading the global transition toward clean energy. Cultural and tourism cooperation also flourished through the organization of joint events, exhibitions, and cultural programs that strengthened the bonds between the two peoples. In the field of environmental sustainability.

Oman is progressing toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 through ambitious projects in green hydrogen and renewable energy. The Oman Center for Net Zero Emissions has been established to coordinate national efforts, alongside new policies for carbon trading and environmental performance certification.

Distinguished Guests,
Under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Sultanate of Oman advances with confidence toward realizing its national aspirations and strategic vision, striking a balance between development and environmental preservation, upholding the values of justice and tolerance, and instilling in its people a deep faith in work and the future.

In conclusion, we renew our gratitude and appreciation to all of you for attending and sharing with us the joy of this glorious National Day. We also take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks for the kind cooperation and support extended to the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman by the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Korea, as well as various governmental and private entities. We wish you all continued success and prosperity.

Happy National Day to all,

Peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah be upon you.