1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met with Minister of Economy and Planning Adel Fakeih of Saudi Arabia on March 7, during which the two ranking officials discussed ways that the Republic of Korea can take part as a constructive partner in Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 for economic reform and development.

2. Minister Yun, taking note of the ever-broadening scope of cooperation since 1970, stressed that the ROK will be able to contribute as the best partner to Saudi Arabia’s efforts to implement its vision 2030.

° Citing the Arabian proverb, “Choose your co-travelers well before the journey,” the Minister voiced hope that just as Saudi Arabia had been the ROK’s pivotal “rafeef” (partner) in the course of the latter’s economic development since the 1970s, the ROK will be Saudi Arabia’s partner for co-prosperity in the latter’s efforts to fulfill its vision 2030.

3. Minister Fakeih, expressing the strong commitment of the Saudi government over vision 2030, brought attention to the fact that the ROK is one of the few countries selected as main partners for cooperation in the implementation of vision 2030. He proposed that the two countries, which have built trust through exchanges and cooperation over a long period of time, seek as soon as possible concrete ways to work together in that regard.

4. The two Ministers noted that with the ROK and Saudi Arabia seeing advances in their relations in various sectors, the ROK-Saudi joint committee is becoming a valuable diplomatic asset. On that note, they agreed to hold the 18th meeting of the joint committee in the near future for discussions on ways to work together in a mutually complementary manner.

5. Minister Yun, highlighting the importance of not only economic cooperation but also people-to-people and cultural exchanges, cited the some 700 Saudi students in the ROK and the “Roads of Arabia” exhibition to take place in Seoul in May 2017 as good examples of such exchanges. The two Ministers drew a common understanding that robust exchanges will contribute greatly to the development of the bilateral relations.

6. Minister Yun voiced hope that the two countries will sign as soon as possible their memorandum of understanding on multiple visas, which is designed to promote the convenience of Korean travelers and businesspeople when visiting Saudi Arabia and whose text the countries had agreed on in 2016; and that Saudi visa application fees required of Korean applicants will be adjusted to an appropriate level. Minister Fakeih, expressing understanding of the situation, mentioned that the matter will be looked deeply into.

° Minister Yun also asked the Saudi government to pay serious attention to the safety of some 5,200 Koreans staying in Saudi Arabia.

7. Minister Yun pointed out that North Korea, through repeated provocations, including nuclear tests, launches of ballistic missiles, and terrorist acts using chemical weapons, is posing a grave threat to peace and security not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the international community. He extended appreciation to the Saudi government for its consistent support for the ROK’s policy toward North Korea, expressing hope that it will play a leading role in the international efforts to put pressure on the North.

° Minister Fakeih stated that the Saudi government will keep its position toward North Korea steadfast, adding that by doing so, it hopes to enhance its friendship and cooperation with the ROK and contribute to global peace.


* unofficial translation