ROK Navy ship “Kwanggaeto the Great” makes historic call at Colombo Port

The ROKS “Kwanggaeto the Great” (ROKN 40th ETG: Escort Task Group) yesterday made a historic call at the Colombo Port.

The port call was followed by a reception and was graced by Republic of Korea Ambassador Miyon Lee, Sri Lanka’s Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, dignitaries of foreign missions and other invitees. 

The port call of ROKS Kwanggaeto the Great marked an important landmark as it was the first visit of a Korean ship to Colombo Port in six years.

The Commodore of 40th ETG/Commanding Officer of ROKS Kwanggaeto the Great, Capt. Kim Hyoung Churl, mentioned that this port visit was a great chance to hold a close exchange activity with Sri Lanka, a cooperative nation of South Asian Indo-Pacific strategy. He also praised the fact that it was a memorable time for the ROK citizens to relate to the international status of the Korean Navy. 

Welcoming Kwanggaeto the Great to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Miyon Lee introduced the CheongHae Unit to the Sri Lankan guests on the mission the ROK Navy ship was assigned with and its contribution in upholding international efforts of securing maritime safety and counter terrorism in the waters around Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman.

The Ambassador emphasised on the importance of Colombo Port as a strategic location in the region being the “Gateway to South Asia”, a maritime hub that has brought together many nations in their venture for new trade routes and investments.

Also focusing on the outcome of this port call, the Ambassador highlighted Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy that aims to engage and cooperate in the region not only for trade and investments but also for defence cooperation with the South Asian partners. 

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva wished that this port call will only be just the beginning and that Korea would make more regular visits to Sri Lanka as a means of going forward, mutually cooperating with Sri Lanka and promoting the bilateral relations between the two countries.