Seoul: Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee met with his Saudi counterpart, Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al Ruwaili, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in defense and the arms manufacturing industry, officials reported. The talks took place during the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2025.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee emphasized the significance of the relationship between South Korea and Saudi Arabia, underlining South Korea's role as a key partner in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiative. This initiative aims to localize the majority of Saudi Arabia's military equipment procurement. Lee also highlighted the importance of ongoing educational training, personnel exchanges, and arms cooperation with Saudi Arabia, committing to reinforce collaboration in these areas.
In response, Ruwaili suggested pursuing "substantive achievements" in the defense sector and arms procurement to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations. Additionally, Lee addressed concerns over North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, which he identified as a serious global threat. Ruwaili expressed support for Seoul's policy on North Korea, aligning with Lee's concerns.