Korean President, Saudi Crown Prince discuss cooperation in the Neom project 

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol held talks with visiting Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Nov. 17 to further develop bilateral cooperation.

At their summit starting, President Yoon said, "Saudi Arabia is Korea's largest tradingpartner in the Middle East and a partner in overseas construction, as well as a core partner in our economic and energy security," adding, "Saudi Arabia is opening a new future through its 'Vision 2030' led by Crown Prince Mohammed, so now is the right time to raise bilateral ties to a new level."

"I hope that both countries can further expand and develop cooperation in investment collaboration in new growth sectors, participation in mega projects such as Neom city, cooperation in the defense industry, development of future energy sources like hydrogen, and boosting cultural exchanges and tourism."

Neom is the world's largest project for smart city construction announced by the crown prince in 2017 for Saudi Arabia as a long-term national program to reform the country's oil-dependent economic structure. The cost is an estimated USD 500 billion (KRW 686 trillion).

Crown Prince bin Salman said, "Since diplomatic ties were formed, Korean companies have greatly contributed to developing the national infrastructure of Saudi Arabia," adding, "I hope to bolster our cooperation with Korea to realize the Saudi Vision 2030 based on the mutual trust built in this process."

The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation so that both sides can produce substantial results in energy, investment and cooperation in the defense industry, as well as cultural and human exchanges and tourism.

After meeting with President Yoon, Saudi Crown Prince held a meeting with business leaders such as Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, and Hanwha Solution Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.

As a follow-up step, a total of 26 contracts and memorandums of understanding were signed between the two countries, covering industries such as smart cities, high-speed railways, energy, and manufacturing.

Of these, six were between Korean companies and the Saudi investment department, 17 were between Korean companies, including public companies, and Saudi institutions and companies, and the other three were between S-Oil, in which Saudi Arabia is an actual major shareholder, and domestic construction companies. The project cost is expected to exceed 40 trillion won.

The crown prince will fly to Japan after completing his two-day trip to Korea.

Source: The Korea Post