Empty Salman Riding with President Yoon: "Next Time, Let's Ride a Hyundai Electric Car"

Bin Salman "Next time, with Hyundai Electric Cars"
Yoon to Bin Salman "South Korea is a Trusted Partner"

On the last day of President Yoon Suk-yeol's state visit to Saudi Arabia on the 24th (local time), he held a surprise private meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Crown Prince bin Salman visited President Yoon's residence at the guesthouse and then personally drove alongside him to the next event venue. This unprecedented hospitality occurred just over six hours after the two countries announced a joint statement containing the most comprehensive cooperation plan in 43 years.

The visit by bin Salman to the guesthouse was unplanned, and they held a private discussion for 23 minutes. Notably, President Yoon rode in the front passenger seat of the Mercedes-Benz driven by Crown Prince Mohammed as they traveled together for 15 minutes to the Future Investment Initiative Forum (FII) venue. Bin Salman accompanied President Yoon into the event and remained seated throughout his speech and dialogue.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is getting into a vehicle with Crown Prince Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who visited the Riyadh Guest Palace on the 24th (local time), to attend the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol moved on the 24th (local time) to the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center, where the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum is being held, in a vehicle driven by Crown Prince Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, who visited the Riyadh guesthouse.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

According to the Blue House, while driving, Crown Prince bin Salman said, "Next time you visit, I hope we can ride together in a Hyundai electric car produced in Saudi Arabia." This referred to the contract signed during President Yoon's state visit between Hyundai Motor Company and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to establish an automobile manufacturing plant. A Blue House official interpreted this as a wish for electric vehicles to be produced in Saudi Arabia.

The extraordinary private meeting held that day is also significant because it took place just over six hours after the two countries finalized the joint statement following several rounds of coordination. This not only confirmed their willingness to cooperate in various sectors for practical economic collaboration based on establishing a "future-oriented strategic partnership," but also demonstrated a close relationship between the two leaders.

At the FII event, where Crown Prince bin Salman stayed until the end, President Yoon responded with trust by quoting an Arabic proverb: "Before you travel, choose a friend to go with." President Yoon asserted, "The Republic of Korea is a trustworthy partner," adding, "Even now, when uncertainty has become the new normal due to geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions, Middle Eastern countries continue to trust Korea."

He also evaluated, "Saudi Arabia was one of the first countries to trust Korea's potential." President Yoon said, "In the early 1970s, Korean companies and workers operated in three shifts, 24 hours a day, at the Al-Ula-Khaibar highway construction site in Saudi Arabia, successfully completing the project on schedule. Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, which recognized Korea's diligence and reliability, entrusted more construction projects to Korea. This became the starting point for Korea, which had neither natural resources nor advanced technology, to achieve the Miracle on the Han River."

Kim Tae-hyo, the First Deputy Director of the National Security Office, evaluated, "(President Yoon) did not let go of the hand he shook with the Crown Prince for a long time when saying goodbye," adding, "Since Korea experienced rapid growth and Saudi Arabia shows great enthusiasm to replicate Korea's experience, this state visit became an opportunity for the two countries to start a new future."