Top South Korean diplomat in Erbil talks boosting investment, sings in Kurdish language at event

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – At an event in Erbil observing South Korea's National Day, the Asian nation's top diplomat serving in the Kurdistan Region spoke of boosting investment there while also treating audience members to a Karaoke-style rendition of a tune he sang in the Kurdish language. 

The festival began with several cultural, musical, or other artistic performances by both Korean and Kurdish performers, at which time Consul General Choi Kwang-Jin gave his spirited recital.  

In a speech, he affirmed that Korean companies will, once again, begin investing in the Kurdistan Region after a temporary halt went into place in 2014 after the ascent of ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The official said he hoped that “Kurdistan will welcome them with open and warm hearts,” in response to increased cooperation between the two governments.

“In order to strengthen our heart-to-heart friendship and solidarity, I would like to sing a song about love between Korea and Kurdistan in Kurdish,” Kwang-Jin added.

Safin Dizaye, Head of Kurdistan Region’s Department of Foreign Relations (DFR), was on hand to extend the KRG’s congratulations to the envoy, adding in a speech, “We will be welcoming warmly any business interests of the Republic of Korea in Kurdistan.”

Official relations between South Korea and the Kurdistan Region started in 2004 when Korea dispatched its Zaytun Military Division. As soon as the forces arrived in Erbil, they began opening hospitals, schools, an occupational institute, and a library, as well as implementing multiple construction projects and in-kind-donations. 

Dizaye pointed out that, during Kurdistan Region’s difficult times, the efforts of “partners and friends” such as South Korea “to bring stability, security, and prosperity to this part of the world, in Kurdistan and Iraq as a whole,” have been of great assistance.

This is the third annual reception to celebrate Korean National Foundation in Kurdistan, although last year's event was a drive-in gathering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

South Korea has provided humanitarian assistance to the autonomous Kurdish Region since 2014, with Seoul upgrading its representative office in Erbil to a Consulate-General in 2016.