Lim Seung-Cheol: Kurds Are Distinguished by Resilience, Hospitality, Balanced Diversity, and Intelligence
ARK News.. The Consul General of the Republic of South Korea in Erbil, Lim Seung-Cheol, said that the Kurdistan Region should not rely solely on foreign factories for economic development, arguing that it can achieve a genuine economic transformation through investment in research centers and artificial intelligence.
According to Kurdistan 24, Lim revealed that the Kurdistan Regional Government has approved a proposal to establish a strategic economic center modeled on the Korea Development Institute.
Reflecting on his tenure in the Kurdistan Region, Lim said he had identified four defining characteristics of the Kurdish people: “resilience, hospitality, balanced diversity, and intelligence.”
He explained that Kurdish hospitality goes beyond offering food, describing it as “a manifestation of a culture of sacrifice and the building of deep human connections.”
The South Korean diplomat drew comparisons between the Korean and Kurdish experiences, noting that both peoples have faced similar geopolitical challenges, surrounded by major regional powers and shaped by difficult historical circumstances.
“The commitment of both societies to family values and education is what has enabled them to endure and survive,” he said.
In a humanitarian reflection, Lim compared the tragedy of Halabja Massacre with the Gwangju Uprising of May 18, 1980, expressing hope that emotional and historical ties between the two peoples would continue to deepen.
On the economic front, Lim encouraged the Kurdistan Region to focus not only on attracting external industrial investments but also on harnessing the talents and capabilities of its youth, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
He argued that AI has the potential to fundamentally reshape the region’s economic structure over the next three decades.
The diplomat also praised the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts in digital transformation and e-government services, as well as major projects such as the “Ronaki” initiative, which aims to expand electricity production through environmentally friendly methods.
Lim expressed admiration for Kurdish women, highlighting their courage, freedom, and leadership abilities. He described women’s active participation in society as the true guarantee of a bright future for the Kurdish community.
Concluding his remarks, Lim pledged to return to the Kurdistan Region in ten years to witness firsthand the achievements and progress that Kurdish youth will accomplish through their determination, skills, and innovation.
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