On 07/04/2011 Dr. Ali Sindi, KRG Minister of Planning, received Mr. Joongchul JOO, the new Korean Consul General to Kurdistan Region. Dr. Ali congratulated the new Consul General and wished him a successful mission in Kurdistan. Dr. Ali commended the role the Korean government plays in the reconstruction process of Kurdistan and capacity building of KRG employees. It is worth mentioning that since 2003 the Korean government has provided training in various areas of administration to over 1000 KRG employees.

Mr. JOO stated that the Korean government intends to contribute further to the development of the Kurdistan Region. Adding that in addition to direct involvement in project implementation, more training and postgraduate courses will be offered to strengthen the political and cultural ties between Korea and Kurdistan.

Dr Ali emphasized the importance of small Korean companies’ participation in the development process because this will help developing the growing Kurdistan private sector. The legal framework and the good security condition are enabling factors for the private sector and the involvement of foreign companies in the development process.

 Finally Mr. JOO highlighted their attempts to strengthen cultural ties through building networks between the KRG employees, who have received training in Korea, and the various Korean communities. To that end the Korean General Consulate will arrange a wide meeting for the alumni in near future.