DIPLOMATIC DIARY
Former prime minister and president of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has said that the free trade agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and Korea should be dedicated to legendary outgoing Korean ambassador Dr Song Jong-hwan whose hard work had enormously helped cement Korea-Pakistan relations.
These views were expressed by Ch Shujaat during a farewell reception held in honour of Dr Song. A galaxy of diplomats, sitting and former members of parliament and journalists attended the reception. Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, Ch Wajahat Hussain, Tariq Bashir Cheema, Imtiaz Ranjha, and ambassadors of France, Germany, India, Spain, Palestine, Australia and other countries were also present.
Lauding the services of Dr Song, Shujaat said that untiring efforts by the outgoing envoy had strengthened Pak-Korea relations and the FTA would largely help increase the volume of bilateral trade between the two friendly countries.
“When I was appointed consul general of Korea in Pakistan back in 1982, I paid special attention to enhancing trade ties between the two countries. I still remember that only one Korean company had showed interest in establishing Picture Tube Project in Karachi at the time, whereas thousands of Korean companies are now working in Pakistan,” he added.
Shujaat said he was bidding farewell to Dr Song with a heavy heart.
PML Secretary General Senator Mushahid Sayed said that due to the efforts of Dr Song, Pakistan would be able to export its fruits and crops to Korea, especially export of mango and orange would now increase manifold.
He said that the introduction of direct flights from Seoul to Pakistan was another feather in the cap of Dr Song which would surely bring the people of two countries further closer.
He said that for making prominent efforts for promoting relations in different fields between the two countries, Dr Song was awarded by Korea the highest diplomatic award which is a great honour for him.
He further said that Dr Song has left deep impressions in the hearts of people of Pakistan through his great services during his short stay in Pakistan.
In his speech, Dr Song Jong-hwan expressed gratitude to entire Pakistani nation for wonderful hospitality extended to him and his staff.
He said Pakistan and Korea shared historical and cultural links.
“I believe that different nations will understand each other more and develop closer relationships if they have a greater understanding of each other’s culture and history. Therefore historical linkage can provide the basis for building stronger relationships in the future. That is why I often mention that Pakistan and Korea’s diplomatic relationship is almost 33 years old, but our cultural links are almost 1,633 years old,” he added.
He said that in the 1990s, Korea constructed the Lahore-Islamabad motorway which became a hallmark of change for the transport sector in Pakistan. “In 2016, Korea and Pakistan should make another hallmark – a cultural motorway between Korea and Pakistan,” he added.
Terming Pakistan his third home, Dr Song said he has decided to volunteer his services for the cause of further cementing Pakistan-Korea relations and he would keep playing his role as an elder to boost the bilateral ties.