SEOUL, September 22 (AJP) - South Korea and Saudi Arabia pledged to strengthen their defense partnership during high-level talks in Riyadh, the South Korean defense ministry said Monday.
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-baek described his talks with Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, Saudi Arabia’s National Guard minister, on Saturday as “a meaningful first step” in expanding military collaboration. The trip marked his first visit to the Middle East since assuming the post.
Ahn underscored South Korea’s role as a strategic partner in the kingdom’s Vision 2030, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s sweeping modernization plan that includes diversifying defense suppliers and investing heavily in military technology. He highlighted South Korea’s growing profile as an arms exporter, the ministry said.
Prince Abdullah welcomed the minister’s visit and voiced hope that the two nations could broaden cooperation through joint projects, personnel exchanges and expanded military education programs. Both sides agreed to meet again soon to assess progress and discuss regional security issues.
South Korea has steadily expanded its presence in the Middle East defense market, most notably with major arms deals in the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.
* This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
