By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the Republic of Korea organized a special event on May 19, 2025, to plant the Omani frankincense tree, along with the flower of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (may Allah grant him peace), the flower of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik (may Allah protect him), and the flower of Her Excellency Sayyida Ahd bint Abdullah Al Said in the Seoul Botanical Garden.

This event is part of the embassy's ongoing efforts to enhance cultural and environmental exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea, highlighting the deep historical ties that connect the two nations.

The event was attended by many public figures and officials, including His Excellency Kim Hyung-dong, Member of the National Assembly and Vice President of the Korean-Omani Parliamentary Friendship Group; His Excellency Chung Kwang Young, General Director of the Office of Africa and the Middle East at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea; His Excellency Kim Chang Moo, President of the Korean-Arab Association; His Excellency Ambassador Ma Yong Sam; and His Excellency Shafiq Rashadi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco and Dean of the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, along with various Arab ambassadors and diplomats.

In his welcoming speech, His Excellency Zakaria bin Hamad Hilal Al Saadi, Ambassador of Oman to Korea, expressed his gratitude to the guests for attending this occasion.

He noted that this ceremony was originally scheduled for last year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Oman and Korea; however, plant quarantine measures prevented the event from taking place on time.

He extended his appreciation to the Korean Plant Quarantine Agency, the Seoul Botanical Garden, and the Royal Gardens and Farms in Oman for their cooperation and dedication in making this event possible.

Ambassador Al Saadi emphasized the importance of this occasion, describing it as a manifestation of the values of cooperation and civilizational dialogue. He indicated that "planting these trees and flowers is not merely a symbolic act, but reflects our commitment to preserving the natural and historical heritage of the Sultanate of Oman."

He also spoke of the historical ties between the two countries, dating back to the Silla Kingdom of Korea, mentioning that during his visits to cultural landmarks in Gyeongju, he observed remains of Omani frankincense that date back a thousand years, symbolizing the early and profound connections and exchanges between Oman and Korea since the first century B.C.

For her part, the Director of the Seoul Botanical Garden expressed her gratitude for the efforts of the Omani Embassy in Seoul, praising the initiative that presents symbols deeply rooted in Omani heritage. She emphasized the importance of continuing to care for these plants to ensure their healthy growth in Korean gardens.

This event reaffirms the commitment of the Sultanate of Oman to promote civilizational dialogue and environmental cooperation through creative initiatives that highlight its valuable natural treasures. It signifies the deep cultural and historical communication between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Korea over the past thousand years.