1. Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang, Kyung-wha met with Saudi Arabian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on Wednesday, December 4. During the meeting, the two Ministers exchanged views on relations between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the recent situation in the Middle East, a safe passage of ships through major energy transfer routes in the Middle East and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

2. The two Ministers noted that friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries have been further advancing since His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud’s official visit to the ROK in June 2019, and agreed to continue expanding the scope of cooperation to diverse areas such as the defense industry and nuclear power plants.

3. Minister Al-Jubeir explained the Saudi Arabian government’s position on the recent situation in the Middle East, and the two Ministers agreed to continue close cooperation in easing tensions and establishing peace in the Middle East, which is crucial for global security and economy.

4. Furthermore, Minister Al-Jubeir underlined the importance of a safe passage of ships through major sea routes in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz, and Minister Kang replied that the ROK government will continue to work closely together with the international community to ensure the safety of ships in such regions.
 

5. At the request by Minister Al-Jubeir, Minister Kang explained the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula and the ROK government’s efforts to address the North Korean nuclear issue. On that note, Minister Al-Jubeir hoped that the North Korean nuclear issue would be resolved in a peaceful manner, and expressed active support for the efforts made by the ROK government.