bahrainthismonth.com | NOVEMBER 2026 INTERVIEW 51 Excellency, firstly thank you for the interview. What are your first impressions of Bahrain and your principal priorities as Ambassador? It was a profound honour to present my credentials to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. From my very first days in the Kingdom, my foremost impression has been one of deep admiration for the extraordinary warmth, openness and cultural sophistication of the Bahraini people. Bahrain stands as an exemplary beacon of peaceful coexistence, seamlessly bridging an illustrious heritage with a vibrant, forward-looking modern spirit. My principal priority during my tenure is to build upon this robust foundation and elevate our bilateral relationship to new strategic heights. I am deeply committed to actualising the comprehensive ‘10A Framework’, specifically focusing on AI, air defence, architecture and infrastructure, aluminium and arts and culture, translating our long-standing friendship into concrete, mutually beneficial partnerships. How has the relationship developed over 50 years of diplomatic ties? The past five decades represent a lasting journey of shared growth, deep-rooted solidarity and mutual respect. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1976, Korea and Bahrain have consistently demonstrated a profound capacity to adapt and innovate alongside one another. We began our collaboration primarily rooted in traditional trade and heavy industrial infrastructure, where Korean enterprises proudly contributed to key landmarks in Bahrain. Over the years, this has blossomed into a multifaceted partnership encompassing digital technology, cultural infrastructure and regional security. This milestone Golden Jubilee is not merely a reflection on a half-century of steadfast diplomatic communication, but a powerful testament to our enduring trust and a stepping stone towards an even more interconnected and resilient future. Where are the strongest opportunities for deeper economic and commercial cooperation? Korea takes immense pride in its historic contributions to Bahrain’s foundational growth, including early industrial assignments and significant infrastructure development. Today, as Bahrain dynamically expands its Economic Vision, the strongest commercial opportunities lie within advanced segments of industry and infrastructure. Architecture and infrastructure continue to be a cornerstone; Korean firms bring cutting-edge, sustainable engineering blueprints that are perfectly aligned with Bahrain’s massive national infrastructure projects. By shifting from traditional procurement to high-technology co-investment, we can unlock unprecedented commercial value for both nations. Which sectors offer the greatest potential for new technology and innovation partnerships? The synchronisation of our national technological agendas presents a massive horizon of opportunity. Without question, the sectors offering the most profound potential are artificial intelligence, digital transformation and air defence. To maximise this potential, I have developed a strategic framework called the ‘10A Agenda’. This concept has already been presented to several Bahraini government officials, where it was met with a highly positive and encouraging reception. The agenda is structured across ten pillars: • Artificial Intelligence: Driving next-generation economic growth and data analytics. • Air Defence: Enhancing strategic security and sovereign protective capabilities. • Atomic Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Introducing scalable, low-carbon nuclear energy solutions. • Architecture and Infrastructure: Developing resilient urban spaces, infused with modern aquafarming and smart agriculture. • ASRY (Shipbuilding): Advancing maritime engineering by leveraging Korea’s pioneering legacy and expertise. • Automobile: Expanding innovative transport solutions and manufacturing potential. • Aluminium: Capitalising on Bahrain’s robust downstream industrial expertise. • Aviation: Resuming direct commercial and cargo flights to bridge the two nations. • Acquisition (Real Estate): Streamlining strategic international property investments and developments. • Arts and Culture: Deepening bilateral ties and soft power exchange through heritage and creativity. As both countries advance towards sophisticated industrial landscapes, collaborative initiatives in ethical AI governance, smart city architecture and fintech platforms will serve as a powerful catalyst for mutual economic growth. In tandem, maintaining security is paramount for sustained prosperity; bilateral cooperation in specialised air defence systems offers a highly sophisticated mechanism for technology sharing and regional stability. How would you strengthen cultural, educational and tourism links, particularly among younger generations? True diplomacy does not live solely within state agreements; it thrives when it transcends borders to bind human hearts together. To achieve this, the Embassy is prioritising continuous high-impact cultural exchanges that resonate with the younger generations. Our recent events include the Chuseok Celebrations at Bahrain Mall, the Korea Arab Society Friendship Caravan at City Centre Bahrain and our collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities for the ‘Daehan Saram: Felangee’ traditional performance at the Cultural Hall. Our National Day Reception featured a K-classic performance by a Korean soprano who beautifully performed the national anthem and the traditional song ‘Diamond Mountain’. Central to our mission is the Manama King Sejong Institute, which we are actively expanding to serve as a premier hub for Korean language and cultural education in the Kingdom. Moving forward, I intend to structurally fortify these links by broadening access to the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) programme, encouraging robust university student exchange programmes and establishing tailored tourism corridors that allow our youth to experience the profound living heritage and vibrant contemporary life of both nations. What new areas of cooperation would you like to develop over the next 50 years? As we cross the threshold into the next 50 years, we must cultivate pioneering ecosystems that foster closer integration between our public institutions and private sectors. Beyond our traditional successes, I want to see deeply integrated, institutionalised collaborations in technological research and development, green energy transitions and comprehensive creative arts curation. This entails bringing private sector leaders from both countries together to form joint ventures in next-generation fields, while academic institutions co-develop specialised research programmes. By weaving our public policies and private capital tightly together, we will build a sustainable and adaptable roadmap that ensures our partnership remains resilient, relevant and highly impactful for generations to come. What is your message to Bahrain’s Korean community and Bahrain This Month’s readers? Around 2,000 Koreans reside in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and enjoy travelling in and out of Bahrain for many purposes. As we celebrate this historic, golden milestone year, my heart is filled with profound gratitude and immense admiration. The people of Bahrain have shown an inspiring resilience, bravery and an unyielding fullness of life. To the vibrant Korean community residing in the Kingdom, as well as Korean citizens in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, you are the living bridges of our friendship; your dedication represents the very best of Korea. To the esteemed readers of Bahrain This Month and all friends of Korea across the Kingdom, I extend my deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and warmth. The Embassy promises to work harder than ever to build an even stronger, brighter and more prosperous bond between our two nations. May this halfcentury milestone usher in an era of unparalleled harmony, solidarity and shared success.
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