Seychelles and Korea discuss oil exploration
Two Korean oil firms have been invited to Seychelles to conduct research on oil and gas exploration opportunities.
It was the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure, who extended the invitation to the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) and SK Innovation (SK) while on an official visit recently to this south-east Asian country.
The KNOC and SK are the largest companies in Korea for exploring and producing oil and gas and both have shown high interest in conducting further research on the opportunities that Seychelles presents in this field.
Ambassador Faure, who is also the chairman of PetroSeychelles, has stressed on effective and environment conscious oil and gas exploration.
During his visit in Korea, Ambassador Faure visited Jeju Island, one of the world’s new 7 Wonders of Nature. He made a courtesy call on the Vice-Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Kim Sunwoo, and congratulated him and his province on their efforts and high technologies used in conserving and promoting their natural assets.
He also pointed out that Seychelles and Jeju share many things in common – natural heritage and importance of tourism industry with tourism contributing to around 55% of the GDP of Jeju Island.
Mr Faure also met Jeju Tourism Association (a half government, half private tourism body for promoting brand of Jeju) to discuss bilateral cooperation on exchange of knowledge and know-how. The association agreed to make a concrete cooperation bond through a memorandum of understanding between Jeju Tourism Association, Seychelles Tourism Board and Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association.
Discussions with the Korean government was followed by a meeting with the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Son Jae Hak, during which Ambassador Faure enquired about the possibility of more Korean vessels to come and fish in Seychelles waters.
Cooperation in oceans and fisheries was also discussed.
The vice-minister offered to prepare concrete cooperation areas for further discussion with Seychelles.
During a courtesy call on the deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lee Kyung Soo, Ambassador Faure was congratulated for the increased cooperation between Seychelles and Korea during the past few years.
Ambassador Faure noted that Seychelles’ honorary consul general Dong Chang Jeong had been instrumental in forging our relations in recent years, displaying passion and commitment. Korean visitors have grown practically from 0 to more than 1,000, and so have cooperation and exchanges in various sectors.
Ambassador Faure also took part in the Seoul International Marathon, one of the top three international marathon races in Korea as part of sports diplomacy and to benchmark the system for the Seychelles eco-friendly marathon. His involvement was the first for Seychelles and he finished the 42.195km race in 4 hours 43 minutes.
During his stay, he gave interviews to four Korean newspapers: DongA Ilbo (one of the top three daily newspapers/organising committee of Seoul International Marathon), Hankyung Business Newspaper (one of the top three daily business newspapers), Global Travel News and The Korea Travel News.
“I am very happy that Seychelles and Korea have been developing close cooperation in several areas – especially in sustainable energy, fisheries and tourism.
It was also gratifying to be reassured of Korean government’s interest in further enhancing the bilateral cooperation.
I also would like to thank Mr Jeong who has worked tirelessly for better serving Seychelles. President Michel and our government appreciate his work and will provide constant support to ensure outstanding projects are successfully implemented. We shall make this visit another platform for bringing bilateral cooperation to a higher level,” said Ambassador Faure.
Ambassador Faure was accompanied to official meetings by Mr Jeong and Julie Kim, regional manager of the Seychelles Tourist Office for Korea and Japan.
It was the secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure, who extended the invitation to the Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) and SK Innovation (SK) while on an official visit recently to this south-east Asian country.
The KNOC and SK are the largest companies in Korea for exploring and producing oil and gas and both have shown high interest in conducting further research on the opportunities that Seychelles presents in this field.
Ambassador Faure, who is also the chairman of PetroSeychelles, has stressed on effective and environment conscious oil and gas exploration.
During his visit in Korea, Ambassador Faure visited Jeju Island, one of the world’s new 7 Wonders of Nature. He made a courtesy call on the Vice-Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Kim Sunwoo, and congratulated him and his province on their efforts and high technologies used in conserving and promoting their natural assets.
He also pointed out that Seychelles and Jeju share many things in common – natural heritage and importance of tourism industry with tourism contributing to around 55% of the GDP of Jeju Island.
Mr Faure also met Jeju Tourism Association (a half government, half private tourism body for promoting brand of Jeju) to discuss bilateral cooperation on exchange of knowledge and know-how. The association agreed to make a concrete cooperation bond through a memorandum of understanding between Jeju Tourism Association, Seychelles Tourism Board and Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association.
Discussions with the Korean government was followed by a meeting with the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Son Jae Hak, during which Ambassador Faure enquired about the possibility of more Korean vessels to come and fish in Seychelles waters.
Cooperation in oceans and fisheries was also discussed.
The vice-minister offered to prepare concrete cooperation areas for further discussion with Seychelles.
During a courtesy call on the deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lee Kyung Soo, Ambassador Faure was congratulated for the increased cooperation between Seychelles and Korea during the past few years.
Ambassador Faure noted that Seychelles’ honorary consul general Dong Chang Jeong had been instrumental in forging our relations in recent years, displaying passion and commitment. Korean visitors have grown practically from 0 to more than 1,000, and so have cooperation and exchanges in various sectors.
Ambassador Faure also took part in the Seoul International Marathon, one of the top three international marathon races in Korea as part of sports diplomacy and to benchmark the system for the Seychelles eco-friendly marathon. His involvement was the first for Seychelles and he finished the 42.195km race in 4 hours 43 minutes.
During his stay, he gave interviews to four Korean newspapers: DongA Ilbo (one of the top three daily newspapers/organising committee of Seoul International Marathon), Hankyung Business Newspaper (one of the top three daily business newspapers), Global Travel News and The Korea Travel News.
“I am very happy that Seychelles and Korea have been developing close cooperation in several areas – especially in sustainable energy, fisheries and tourism.
It was also gratifying to be reassured of Korean government’s interest in further enhancing the bilateral cooperation.
I also would like to thank Mr Jeong who has worked tirelessly for better serving Seychelles. President Michel and our government appreciate his work and will provide constant support to ensure outstanding projects are successfully implemented. We shall make this visit another platform for bringing bilateral cooperation to a higher level,” said Ambassador Faure.
Ambassador Faure was accompanied to official meetings by Mr Jeong and Julie Kim, regional manager of the Seychelles Tourist Office for Korea and Japan.
Forrás: www.nation.sc