Korean Amb. Bids Farewell to People of Egypt

The last speech of Korean Ambassador Hong to Egyptian Friends

Peace be upon you. I am Hong Jin Awok, South Korea’s ambassador to Egypt. I hope you are well.

I feel that I arrived in Cairo yesterday, but it is about three years ago, that's why I can't believe that I'm saying goodbye to you now.

I was very happy all the past three years.

The pandemic and economic crisis didn’t stand in the way of Egypt's friendship and Korea. On the contrary, relations became better.

Certainly, because of the Ukraine war, there was an economic downturn, but on the contrary, last year, trade between Egypt and Korea increased about 40%, and export from Egypt to Korea increased about 61%.

The two countries also produced together products such as televisions and washing machines, and last year they decided to make tabs, mobile phones and metro. They also decided to operate the power plant in Dabaa.

At the end of August, after the tourist warning was raised from most places, more Koreans came to Egypt. I also think there will be direct flights between Korea and Egypt in the near future. 

Also, many Koreans are preparing to travel to Egypt to see the beautiful nature in Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh and Dahab, not only historical places such as the pyramids, Luxor and Aswan. Other than that, there are also many Koreans who learn Arabic, as number of Korean Muslims and mosques increases every now and then.

The number of Egyptians who love Korean culture, such as Korean drama, movies and food increased a lot, as the Korean language is now being tough to students at Sohag University and Kafr El-Sheikh, not only at Ain Shams University and Aswan. 

The number of Sejong Institute students has also increased more than tenfold. The number of Egyptian fans of K-pop teams remained more than a million. I also heard that a Facebook page was made in my name from the people who support me. That's why I always say that I'm the happiest Korean ambassador in the world.

In the past three years, many things happened, for example, the President of Korea and the Speaker of the Korean Parliament visited Egypt. Last year, there were phone conversations and several messages between President Sisi and the new President of Korea (Yun). Also, many ministers and journalists from the two countries travelled a lot between Egypt and Korea and made a great effort to help cooperation between the two countries.

The thing I am most proud of is that the Koreans and Egyptians who are here are treating each other with respect, and they wish that the two countries continue their development path together in the future.

As I always say, even if governments change, the people are one who doesn't change. That's why I see that the people are the most important thing. We must understand and respect each other's cultures even if they are different. This is why I have been more about public diplomacy than anything over the past.

Egypt is a beautiful country with a long history and its future will be bright. Egypt is a good country, but I'm sure that its future will also be brilliant because it has smart youth. And I think that Egypt will be in the G20 before 2050.

As they say that whoever drinks from her Nile, must return again, I am sure that I will return to Egypt again soon. And I'm sure that Egypt will be better and more beautiful.

I'm sad to leave Egypt, but I know that the ambassador who will come after me will love Egypt and its people. I hope Egyptians will keep their love for Korea and that relations between Egypt and Korea improve more and more.

I hope you are all in good health and safety, and I will see you soon.

Thank you and I love you all. Bye.