Minister Kang Kyung-hwa Holds Bilateral Talks with Saudi Foreign Minister... Strengthening Efforts to Expand Bilateral Cooperation in Economy and More

Manama Dialogue Leads to Bilateral Talks... Discussion on COVID-19 Vaccine Supply, Korean Peninsula and Middle East Situations

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha held a bilateral meeting with Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, on the 5th during the 16th Manama Dialogue (4th-6th), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

Minister Kang congratulated Saudi Arabia on successfully hosting the G20 Summit and expressed agreement on the importance of "equitable and sufficient distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics" proposed by the Saudi chairmanship.

She also emphasized the necessity of vaccine cooperation, including the global vaccine supply mechanism (COVAX Facility) for supporting developing countries alongside self-reliant vaccine procurement.

In response, Minister Faisal expressed gratitude for Korea's significant contribution to the successful hosting of the G20 Summit and suggested that both countries closely cooperate to ensure the success of equitable vaccine distribution to the international community through the global vaccine supply mechanism.

Minister Faisal further stressed that despite COVID-19, cooperation between the two countries should be strengthened next year. In particular, both ministers agreed to enhance efforts to expand bilateral cooperation beyond economic cooperation in energy and infrastructure construction sectors to many other fields.

Minister Kang expressed gratitude for the exceptional entry permits granted to Korean businesspeople and requested continued cooperation to ensure smooth entry into Saudi Arabia for Korean businesspeople participating in Saudi infrastructure projects.

Minister Faisal evaluated that cooperation with partners like Korea, as well as traditional allies, is important and regarded Minister Kang's visit to the Middle East as highly meaningful. Meanwhile, both ministers exchanged views on mutual interests such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East.