- Outgoing envoy Dr Song Jong-hwan says his heart will always have a special place for Pakistan, its people
Senior politicians, diplomats, journalists and people from all walks of life Wednesday night gathered at the residence of outgoing South Korean ambassador Dr Song Jong-hwan to bid farewell to the senior diplomat.
Former prime minister and president Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and eminent scholar and Senate’s Defence Committee Chairman Mushahid Hussain Sayed were the chief guest and guest of honour of the ceremony.
The guests were all in praise for Dr Song who had worked untiringly to boost the bilateral diplomatic ties between both the friendly countries. The diplomat had been instrumental in helping the two countries increase the trade volume, and abolish barriers for the Pakistani business community in Korean markets. In this respect, the two sides have made remarkable breakthrough for a free trade agreement (FTA).
In his farewell address, Dr Song Jong-hwan expressed his deepest gratitude to the people and government of Pakistan for the marvelous and unprecedented hospitality extended to him and the embassy staff.
“I sincerely feel Pakistan and Korea enjoy the highest level of relations. I feel extremely proud when my Pakistani friends refer to me as a legendary Korean ambassador. I would like to appreciate the cooperation and support of my Pakistani friends and government officials, and the hard work of my embassy colleagues. I could not have achieved so much without you, thank you,” said the ambassador.
Dr Song also thanked the Korean community in Pakistan, saying, “You are the main reason that I am here. I sincerely appreciate your kindness and cooperation and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you for three years.”
Speaking of his accomplishments and emotions, Dr Song said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Pakistan. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to visit different areas of this extremely beautiful country. Most importantly, I made many wonderful friends here, amongst Pakistanis, the Korean community and diplomatic corps. My heart will always have a special place for Pakistan, and I will surely miss this wonderful nation.”
“Time is like an arrow. It seems just like yesterday that I came here as Korean ambassador to Pakistan. After my departure, you will find me as a joint ambassador of Korea and Pakistan (in Korea). I will do my best to keep supporting Pakistan by portraying a good image of Pakistanis before my Korean friends, and keep encouraging Korean investment and trade with Pakistan at the various forums,” concluded the outgoing envoy.