On March 7, President Yoon Suk Yeol met Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud at the presidential office in Yongsan. They shared the security situation and shared opinions on major issues such as strengthening defense, defense cooperation between South Korea and Saudi Arabia.
President Yoon said that Korea-Saudi defense and defense cooperation will take a leap forward into a future-oriented strategic partnership with Minister Khalid's visit to Korea following the Korea-Saudi talks last November.
President Yoon said, "Please send warm regards to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. 26 investment contracts and MOUs signed in last November are being actively promoted at the level of the pan-ministerial government by forming the Korea-Saudi Economic Cooperation Public-Private Promotion Committee and working-level support group." In addition, he said, "As very important economic and security partners, let's strengthen cooperation for the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East and international peace."
In response, Khalid said, "Korea-Saudi relations have established unprecedented economic and defense cooperation based on strong mutual understanding.The cooperation between the two countries has been refined since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Korea last November."
Saudi Arabia's General Staff Chief Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, Saudi Ambassador of KoreaSami Alsadhan,and secretary of the general staff Hesham Abdulazizzonsaifattended the interview.
On the South Korean side, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, National Security Office First Deputy Director Kim Tae-hyo, National Security Office Second Deputy Director Im Jong-deuk and Defense Secretary Lim Ki-hoon attended the meeting.