'Saudia Silkwonja' Visits Korea... Prime Minister Han Greets at Dawn

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo welcomed Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, considered the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, at the airport early on the 17th.

Crown Prince bin Salman arrived at Seoul Airport around 12:30 a.m. on a private jet, and Prime Minister Han greeted him at the airport. This visit marks Crown Prince bin Salman's first trip to Korea in 3 years and 5 months since June 2019.

Under strict security, Crown Prince bin Salman moved to his accommodation at the Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. The airport arrival scene was not disclosed to the media. Barriers were also installed at the hotel entrance, making it difficult to see Crown Prince bin Salman.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is scheduled to hold talks with Crown Prince bin Salman on the morning of the same day. During this meeting, cooperation plans between the two countries are expected to be discussed in areas such as the mega new city project "NEOM City," with a total project cost of $500 billion (approximately 664 trillion won), nuclear power, and the defense industry.

Crown Prince bin Salman is also reported to meet with major group leaders including Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Eui-sun, and Hanwha Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan.