Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of National Guard Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud at the Defense Ministry in Yongsan, Seoul, on November 5, and discussed defense and defense industry cooperation.

The Ministry of National Guard is an independent ministry separate from the Ministry of Defense. This is the first visit of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of National Guard to Korea, made at the invitation of Minister Kim.

* The ministry is responsible for providing security for holy sites such as Mecca and Medina, the Saudi ruling family, and oilfields.

Minister Kim assessed that bilateral cooperation between Korea and Saudi Arabia has expanded in various areas based on a future-oriented strategic partnership since the mutual visits of both countries’ leaders. He said that Saudi Arabia is Korea’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a core partner in the Korean economy and security.

He said that the comprehensive cooperation of Korea-Saudi Arabia’s defense ministries has fostered a strategic and future-oriented relationship, He particularly noted that the scope of cooperation has expanded to include a new relationship with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard.

Before the bilateral meeting, representatives of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard including Minister Abdullah observed a combined joint fire coordination exercise (CJFCX)* at the Seungjin Firing Range in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do in the morning. The Army conducted realistic training exercises by employing the military’s major fire and maneuver systems representing the Korean defense industry, including K-9 self-propelled howitzers and K-2 tanks.

* Maneuver and fire exercises with the cooperation among all sectors of the Army such as infantry, artillery, and armored units.

Minister Kim said that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard and Hanwha, a Korean defense industry firm are working* toward Saudi Arabia’s purchase of ground equipment from Korea. He said that Korea is a top partner that offers comprehensive cooperation, including joint research and development and subsequent military logistics support, and noted that the Korean government is keen on providing support.

* It refers to the signing of MOU for cooperation between the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of National Guard, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems in February 2023.

Furthermore, he expressed his hope that Saudi Arabia directly saw the superiority of Korean weapon systems with the observation of the CJFCX and will use it for its national security and self-defense so that Korea contributes to peace in the Middle East.

Minister Abdullah said that he was impressed with the CJFCX and expressed appreciation to the Korean Defense Ministry, the Army and the soldiers who participated in the exercise. The minister acknowledged the rising superiority and reputation of Korean weapon systems globally and expressed his eagerness to expand both defense and defense industry ties through a strong partnership.