Korea-Saudi Arabia Adopt Joint Statement for the First Time in 43 Years... Expanding Cooperation from Economy to Security (Update)

Adoption and Announcement of 'Korea-Saudi Joint Statement' Reflecting Commitment to Future-Oriented Strategic Partnership
Composed of 44 Cooperation Clauses Between the Two Countries... Expanding Beyond Existing Fields to New Industries

On the occasion of President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to Saudi Arabia, the 'Korea-Saudi Joint Statement' was announced on the 24th (local time). It contains a total of 44 articles covering not only the practical implementation of economic cooperation resulting from mutual visits between the heads of state but also cooperation in defense and defense industry sectors, and the expansion of partnerships for international peace. This document is virtually the most comprehensive one addressing cooperation between the two countries, and the adoption of the joint statement comes 43 years after President Choi Kyu-hah's visit to Saudi Arabia in 1980.

President Yoon and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud adopted and announced the 'Korea-Saudi Joint Statement' containing these contents on the same day.

President Yoon Suk-yeol, on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, held a Korea-Saudi Arabia summit with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Yamama Palace in Riyadh on the 22nd (local time).
[Photo by Yonhap News]

First, the two countries presented a blueprint befitting a 'future-oriented strategic partnership.' They confirmed the South Korean government's support for Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030' and the mutually beneficial nature of the partnership to achieve 'Vision 2030.' Based on this, the purpose and scope of work of the presidential-level 'Strategic Partnership Committee' were systematically defined. An institutional foundation for promoting strategic cooperation has thus been established.

This joint statement is the most comprehensive document addressing cooperation between the two countries. It contains a total of 44 articles, whereas the joint statement issued in 1980 had 12 articles, and the joint press release in 2019 had only 19 articles.

Regarding areas of cooperation, the two countries agreed to strengthen existing cooperation while expanding collaboration into new industrial sectors. Additionally, they plan to increase cultural and human exchanges such as education, tourism, and local government cooperation. Specifically, these include ▲trade and investment ▲construction and infrastructure ▲defense and defense industry ▲energy ▲climate ▲culture and human exchanges ▲new cooperation fields. Notably, cooperation to participate in giga projects promoted in line with Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030,' such as NEOM, Qiddiya (entertainment complex), Red Sea Development, Roshn (housing supply), and Diriyah (heritage site development), was also included.

Furthermore, a common stance on major international security issues such as the Israel-Palestine situation, Yemen, and Ukraine was included. The two countries shared agreement on issues related to the recent Israel-Palestine situation, including ▲opposition to attacks on civilians ▲the necessity of immediate humanitarian aid ▲prevention of conflict escalation.

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