1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jong Kun met separately with Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Korea Abdullah Saif Al Nuaimi and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the ROK Riyad Ahmed Al Mubaraky on Wednesday, October 14, and exchanged views on bilateral and regional issues.

2. Vice Minister Choi recognized two countries’ continued and active cooperation with the ROK in coping with the coronavirus pandemic and emphasized the importance of expanding current COVID response into comprehensive health cooperation to bring more tangible results.

o In addition, Vice Minister Choi shared with two ambassadors the main results from the ROK-Middle East public health cooperation conference (Oct. 8), and asked for embassies’ active cooperation in follow-up meetings.

3. Vice Minister Choi and UAE Ambassador Al Nuaimi discussed the importance of the bilateral “special strategic partnership” in combating the coronavirus pandemic and deepening cooperation in multiple fields including health, agriculture and energy.

o Vice Minister Choi also recognized the UAE’s agreement to normalize diplomatic relations with the State of Israel in creating an opportunity to establish stability and peace in the Middle East.

4. Vice Minister Choi and Saudi Ambassador Al Mubaraky underscored the importance of the Korea-Saudi partnership, particularly in advancing various fields, including energy, infrastructure, health, tourism, and education.

o Vice Minister Choi noted that the Saudi government’s visa issuance and entry permission for Korean business people has led to the resumption of essential travel of business people amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and asked for Saudi Arabia’s continued support for maintaining a smooth and swift entry procedure for Korean business people.

5. Vice Minister Choi asked for support for Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee, who has advanced to the final round of the selection process for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, and the UAE and Saudi Ambassadors commended Minister Yoo’s capacities and qualifications.