Yoon to Make 6-Day State Visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar from 21st... "Seeking New Areas of Cooperation"

South Korean President's First State Visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar
Economic Events Including Investment Forum and Future Technology Partnership Forum Held
Discussion on Israel-Hamas Conflict at Summit

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee will make consecutive state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar for a 4-night, 6-day trip starting on the 21st.

Kim Tae-hyo, First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, held a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 19th to announce President Yoon's plans for the Saudi Arabia and Qatar tour. This marks the first time a South Korean head of state has made a state visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

President Yoon will arrive in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on the afternoon of the 21st (local time) and begin official state activities from the 22nd. On the 22nd, following an official welcoming ceremony, President Yoon is scheduled to hold a summit and a state luncheon with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

That evening, President Yoon will attend three economic events: the Korea-Saudi Investment Forum, the Korea-Saudi Future Technology Partnership Forum on the 23rd, and the 50th Anniversary Ceremony of Korea-Saudi Construction Cooperation, encouraging business leaders from both countries. Deputy Director Kim explained, "(President Yoon) plans to emphasize the need for future-oriented technological cooperation between the two countries." On the same day, he will also visit King Saud University to give a lecture to students.

On the last day of the Saudi Arabia visit, the 24th, President Yoon will attend the Future Investment Initiative Forum, known as the "Davos of the Desert," as a guest of honor, engaging in a dialogue with the moderator on the current and future cooperation between Korea and the Middle East.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After concluding the Saudi Arabia visit, President Yoon will immediately travel to Doha, Qatar, to continue the state visit for 1 night and 2 days until the 25th. His first schedule in Qatar includes visiting the Korean Pavilion and other exhibitions at the Doha International Horticultural Expo. The expo is being held under the theme "Green Desert, Better Environment," and Korea is operating a pavilion showcasing its excellent smart agricultural technologies.

On the second day of the Qatar visit, the 25th, President Yoon will hold a summit with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar and attend a state luncheon together. Following this, he plans to encourage participants at the Korea-Qatar Business Forum, attended by 300 businesspeople from both countries. A large domestic economic delegation will accompany the tour, with 130 members for Saudi Arabia and 59 for Qatar. The final schedule in Qatar includes a visit to Education City, which positions itself as an educational hub in the Middle East, where President Yoon will engage in discussions with young Qatari leaders.

Deputy Director Kim stated regarding the Saudi Arabia and Qatar tour, "Saudi Arabia and Qatar are our major trading partners in the Middle East and key players in regional politics and economics. Friendly cooperation with these countries is very important for our economy and security." He added, "Through this tour, we aim to solidify existing cooperative relations with Saudi Arabia and Qatar and explore cooperation in new fields."

He emphasized, "Partnerships with the Middle East are advancing to a new stage that encompasses future industries beyond energy and construction, including hydrogen, IT, automobiles, shipbuilding, renewable energy, culture, and entertainment. The main schedules, themes, and participants of the tour were organized considering this evolving partnership."

Given the escalating conflict between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas following the Ukraine war, President Yoon plans to discuss security situations during the summits with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Deputy Director Kim explained, "Saudi Arabia is a key actor in the Middle East security order, involved in regional and international conflicts such as the Yemen civil war and the Ukraine war through negotiation mediation and humanitarian aid. Qatar has built multifaceted networks with countries holding diverse interests, playing the role of a regional mediator." He added, "We intend to strengthen practical cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Qatar while discussing ways to promote peace within the Middle East region and enhance our security."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.