Ambassador Adaileh of Jordan in Seoul states at National Day reception

Ambassador Adel Mohammad Adaileh of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Seoul said, “For Jordanians, May 25th is a day for affirming our sense of commitment to our country and its independence, and we remember with deep gratitude for our country, our great leaders - Their Majesties King Abdullah I, King Talal, and King Hussein. At present, we, Jordanians, see our future under the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah II as thriving and bright.”

Ambassador Adaileh of Jordan and National Assemblywoman Jun Hye-Sook, chairperson of the Korea-Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Association (sixth and seventh from left, respectively, at the front row) pose with other ambassadors.

Speaking at a reception Ambassador and Mrs. Adaileh of Jordan hosted at Hotel Shill in Seoul on May 22, 2017 in celebration of the 71st anniversary of the Independence of Jordan and the 55th year of establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea, Ambassador Adaileh also expressed his satisfaction over the fast-growing ties of friendship and cooperation developing between Korea and Jordan. He said, “I am very pleased that the relationships between Jordan and Korea in all fields have grown substantially stronger, and we have already created a solid foundation for the strengthening of ties between our two countries, yet it is important to continue building regular dialogues as our two countries further expand cooperation at the bilateral level, as well as in the international arena and international organizations.” (See excerpts from his speech toward the end of this Report).

Mrs. Adaileh, National Assemblywoman Jun and Mrs. Labib (spouse of the Egyptain ambassador and concurrently chairperson of the Association of Spouses of the Ambassadors in Seoul), fourth to sixth from left, pose with the spouses of the ambassadors.

Ambassador Adaileh’s speech was followed by a congratulatory speech by National Assemblywoman Jun Hye-Sook. She stated in part: “Jordan is historically known to be the center of cultural and economic exchanges, still keeping intact the beautiful art and cultural heritage from the reconciliation between cultures of various religions, including Islam, and the national culture. It also prides in the zeal for the higher education with approximately 90% of the total population being able to speak multiple languages. I believe, with such high intelligence of the population, Jordan has a limitless growth potential for the future.” (See excerpts from the speech at the end of this article.)

From right: Ambassador Adaileh of Jordan in Seoul, Mrs. Labib, Mrs. Adaileh and Ambassador Labib.

It was one of the largest National Day functions hosted by the ambassadors so far this year with the reception attended by many leading figures from the Korean society as well as from the international community, the Seoul Diplomatic Corps in particular.

Among the Korean guests in attendance were National Assemblywoman Jun Hye-Sook and representatives from various segments of Korean government and society, including the mass communications media whence came Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media operating 2 Korean and 3 English news media outlets.

Ambassador Adel Mohammad Adaileh of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (left) with National Assemblywoman Jun Hye-Sook, chairperson of the Korea-Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Association

From the diplomatic community came many ambassadors. Among them were Ambassadors Ramzi Teymurov of Azerbaijan, Md. Zulfiqur Rahman of Bangladesh, Dato Mohd Rosli Sabtu of Brunei Darussalam, Dimanche Long of Cambodia, Hany Moawad Selim Labib of Egypt, Hassan Taherian of Iran, Dulat Bakisher of Kazakhstan, Mohamed Abdi Gello of Kenya, Askar Beshimove of Kyrgyzstan, Khamsouay Keodalavong of Lao Republic, Nozuko Gloria Bam of South Africa, Gonzalo Ortiz Diaz-Tortosa of Spain, Niroshani Manisha Dias Abeywickrema Gunasekera of Sri Lanka, Mohamed Ali Nafti of Tunisia, Hakan Okcal of Turkey and Myrat Mammetalyyev of Turkmenistan.

An ice logo work of crown symbolizing Jordan.

Excerpts from the welcome speech of Ambassador Adaileh of Jordan:

On the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the Independence Day the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Mrs. Adel Adaileh request the pleasure of your company at a reception on Monday, May 22nd of 2017, 18:30 – 20:30 hrs at the Dynasty Hall 2nd Floor, The Shilla Hotel.

Dear Honorable Guest, Your Excellency Jun Hye-Sook, President of the Korea-Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Association at the National Assembly of Korea,

Your Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends of Jordan, and Fellow Jordanians:

I would like to welcome you tonight as we celebrate the 71st Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Ambassador Adaileh of Jordan and National Assemblywoman Jun Hye-Sook (fifth and sixth from left, respectively) pose with guests.

It is a great honor and privilege to celebrate this day with Your Excellencies tonight.

This marks my first Independence Day celebration here in Seoul since my arrival in this beautiful city last summer, as the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of Korea.

Last nine months has not only been exciting time to learn more about Korea, its great people, and rich culture for myself and my family, but I felt much privileged to witness at first hand, the background of its development and advancement, as well as its abundant historical heritage.

For Jordanians, May 25th is a day for affirming our sense of commitment to our country and its independence, and we remember with deep gratitude for our country, our great leaders - Their Majesties King Abdullah I, King Talal, and King Hussein.

At present, we, Jordanians, see our future under the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah II as thriving and bright.

His Majesty King Abdullah I and Jordanians achieved independence and planted the seeds of building a modern state, while His Majesty King Abdullah II completed constructions and development in a different political and economic conditions, and succeeded in crossing Jordan from the ordeal of chaos and turmoil of what is so-called the "Arab Spring."

When we look back at our achievement, we can honestly say that we have succeeded in overcoming our difficulties and the lack of natural resources which Jordan has faced over the past 70 years, and it has been achieving positive results in all political, economic, scientific and educational fields.

The late King Hussein bin Talal declared in 1953 that the main investment in Jordan must be in human resources, and for that reason, Jordan has focused on the development of various fields, such as education, health, IT, tourism and infrastructures, where Jordan has successfully achieved a high growth rate, and which had a clear impact on the people's lives and their standard of living.

We, Jordanians, are proud of the achievements made under the guidance of His Majesty King Abdullah II to consolidate the position of Jordan as one of the most peaceful and secure countries in the Middle East, while upholding the peace and security for the region and around the World.

Jordan is also an active member in the international coalition in the fight against terrorism and extremism, which is the scourge of the times and one of the major problems facing the international community nowadays.

Furthermore, despite its scarce resources, Jordan is committed to humanitarian aid for Syrian refugees, and will continue to adhere to an open-door policy and provide all services according to the needs of the refugees.

This year, we also celebrate the 55th Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Korea.

Ambassador and Mrs. Adaileh of Jordan in Seoul are flanked on the left by Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik and Reporter Kim Sung-min of The Korea Post (second and first on the left) and by Korean Culinary Association Chairperson Ryoo Hyun-mi and Vice Chairman Choe Nam-suk of The Korea Post (fifth and sixth from left).

Jordan was one of the first countries in the Middle East to establish the diplomatic ties with Korea, and has remained as a partner pursuing mutually-beneficial relationship and a trustworthy friend for over 50 years.

I am very pleased that the relationships between Jordan and Korea in all fields have grown substantially stronger, and we have already created a solid foundation for the strengthening of ties between our two countries, yet it is important to continue building regular dialogues as our two countries further expand cooperation at the bilateral level, as well as in the international arena and international organizations.

I strongly believe that mutually beneficial collaboration as well as the development of new initiatives in businesses and trades, industries, researches, ITs, cultures and tourism will further consolidate the trust-based relations that exist between our two countries.

In the last few years, there have been more calls for business cooperation and collaboration between Jordan and Korea, and more Korean companies are taking an active role in some of the major projects in various fields in Jordan, including the construction of infrastructure, nuclear power reactors, solar and wind energy plants.

Also, turning to the cultural aspect, the popular Korean drama series "Misaeng" has allowed the Korean audience to have a glimpse of some of the most breathtakingly scenic beauties of Jordan, as the series were filmed in Petra, Wadi Rum, and the capital city, Amman.

On the other hand, some of the major Korean drama series like "Jewel of the Palace" and "Traders" were broadcasted through major Jordanian TV stations, and have left a favorable impression about Korea and its culture on the Jordanian viewers.

Nevertheless, I believe there is still a room for more intimate and in-depth cooperation between the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Republic of Korea, in many aspects, and I am very much looking forward to such opportunities to take place during my stay as an Ambassador to this great country.

I offer my sincerest appreciation for the friendship and hospitality extended to me and my fellow Jordanians from Korea, and from my colleagues and friends from all public and private sectors of Korea, and above all, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the members of the National Assembly and Korean Universities.

Thank you very much for your participation in our celebration of Independence Day and wish your beautiful country further progress and prosperity, and allow me to greet the Jordanian-Korean friendship.

Many thanks for all, and have a wonderful evening, with a taste of great traditional Jordanian dishes including Mansaf.

Excerpts from the congratulatory speech of National Assemblywoman Jun Hye-sook:

My name is Jun Hye-Sook, and I am the President of the Korea-Jordan Parliamentary Friendship Association at the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea.

Your Excellency Ambassador Adel Adaileh of Jordan, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, it is my great honor to be amongst you in this important occasion to celebrate the Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, the National Assembly, and the people of the Republic of Korea, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on the occasion of this day when the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan declared its independence in 1964.

Jordan is historically known to be the center of cultural and economic exchanges, still keeping intact the beautiful art and cultural heritage from the reconciliation between cultures of various religions, including Islam, and the national culture.

Traditional Jornanian artifacts on display at the venue.

It also prides in the zeal for the higher education with approximately 90% of the total population being able to speak multiple languages.

I believe, with such high intelligence of the population, Jordan has a limitless growth potential for the future.

Also, what is most notable about Jordan, with the current situation of unceasing disputes in the region, is its humanitarian assistance for the Syrian refugees.

Such stance of the Jordanian government does not only move the hearts of many Koreans, but of the people worldwide.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1946, Korea and Jordan have continuously developed and maintained a close cooperative relationship.

In particular, the Agreement between Korea and Jordan on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Military Information, which is coming into effect this year, serves as a momentum to further expand the scope of cooperation between our two countries in various areas.

Also, Korea and Jordan have signed a MOU to expand cooperation in water management, while forming a consortium for a project to supply electricity in Jordan.

The access to water and electricity is becoming more pressing issue in the 21st century.

The Korean government, along with the Korean companies, will hopefully make a difference in the lives of the Jordanian people facing water scarcity problem, with a large proportion of its territory being desert.

Apart from the cooperation at government or business level, there has been more active exchange between the students from both countries with the opening of Korean language major at the University of Jordan in 2007.

And this exchange between students has opened the doors for more cultural and economic exchanges.

It is very encouraging to witness the K-Pop Festivals being held annually in Jordan since 2014, introducing Korea and its culture to Jordan.

I sincerely hope for more dynamic and fruitful exchanges and cooperation to take place between Korea and Jordan.

Once again, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you on the occasion of the 71st Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and also my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency Ambassador Adel Adaileh, and the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the Republic of Korea.

Lastly but not least, I sincerely wish for the everlasting prosperity for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the endless friendship between our two countries.

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