‘We are working on bringing more Korean companies to Kurdistan Region’: Korean CG

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Republic of Korea Consul General Choi Kwang-Jin to Erbil told Kurdistan 24 on Tuesday that his consulate is working on bringing more Korean companies to Kurdistan Region.

“There are a number of Korean companies working in Kurdistan Region, and we are working on bringing more Korean companies here,” Kwang-Jin told Kurdistan 24 correspondent Renas Ali.

Kwang-Jin laid the foundation stone for the gate of Zaituna Library project in Erbil along with Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw on Tuesday.

“This project has a significant meaning for relations between Korea and the Kurdistan Region,” Kwang-Jin said. “I hope this project further strengthens the bilateral ties.”

The project is considered Kwang-Jin’s last one before he leaves the post for good.

Zaituna library was founded by the Korean government. The library was partially impacted by the recent flash floods and is now in need of renovation.

The Korean Consulate General is planning to allocate funds for the renovation of the library.  

In a farewell meeting with Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday, Kwang-Jin thanked the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) offices for their cooperation. 

Read More: PM Barzani praises Korean CG Kwang-Jin’s role in enhancing bilateral ties

In that meeting, Kwang-Jin also said that he always considered the Kurdistan Region his second home and that he will never forget the hospitality and generosity of its people.

Aside from being a diplomat, Kwang-Jin is known among the Kurdish community for his talents in art, poetry, and music.

“I have spent most of my university life with art-related activities, especially music and poems," Kwang-Jin told Kurdistan 24 in an exclusive interview in December.

"During my diplomatic life, I have always had the desire and spirit of learning the culture of the countries where I was dispatched,"

Read More: 'Kurdistan Region has so much potential and room to grow': Korea CG

Kwang-Jin visited a number of displaced persons and refugee camps during his time in the Kurdistan Region. Later he performed songs that he had written about them.

Additional reporting by Kurdistan 24 correspondent Renas Ali.