Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a momentous diplomatic encounter, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, extended a warm welcome to the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, during an official reception ceremony at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh today.
The grandeur of the occasion was evident as both leaders convened for extensive discussions, marking a significant moment in the ever-evolving relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Korea. At the outset of their meeting, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman graciously received President Yoon Suk Yeol and his accompanying delegation, extending his wishes for a pleasant and fruitful stay in the Kingdom. In response, President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed his sincere gratitude for the generous hospitality and warm reception accorded to him and his delegation.
The heart of the discussions revolved around a comprehensive review of the bilateral relations between the two nations. Both leaders deliberated on avenues to bolster cooperation across various sectors and to harness the resources available in their respective countries for mutual benefit. Furthermore, the talks delved into regional and international developments of shared interest, including collaborative efforts to address pressing issues and initiatives aimed at regional stability.
This pivotal meeting was graced by the presence of esteemed ministers from both sides, including Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. Several other Saudi ministers and members of the accompanying Korean delegation added depth and significance to the proceedings.
In a demonstration of the nations' commitment to strengthen their partnership, the Crown Prince and President Yoon Suk Yeol presided over the signing ceremony of several bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs), marking a new chapter in their collaborative endeavors. The following accords were signed:
Strategic Partnership Council: The government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the government of the Republic of Korea signed a draft memorandum of understanding regarding the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council, fostering deep-rooted cooperation. Co-signed by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Park Jin.
Hydrogen Oasis Initiative: A landmark initiative for cooperation in the realm of green and clean hydrogen, designed to spearhead the transition towards sustainable energy solutions. Co-signed by Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Korean Minister of Trade, Industry, and Energy, Bang Moon-kyu.
Visa Exemption Agreement: A reciprocal agreement to exempt holders of diplomatic, private, and official passports from short-stay visa requirements, facilitating ease of travel and fostering bilateral relations. Co-signed by Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Park Jin.
Statistical Cooperation Program: A joint statistical cooperation program between the General Authority for Statistics of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Statistics Korea (KOSTAT) to enhance data sharing and analytics. Co-signed by Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, Faisal bin Fadel Al-Ibrahim, and Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Kyungho Choo.
Food and Drug Cooperation: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of food and medical products. Co-signed by Saudi Minister of Health and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Food and Drug Authority, Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel, and Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs, Park Jin.
The signing of these agreements underscores the commitment of both nations to deepen their collaboration across diverse fields, enhancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. It reflects a shared vision for a future marked by mutual prosperity and enduring partnership.
