Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Saudi Arabian Embassy celebrates National Day, highlights strengthening ties with Korea
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Korea Sami M. Alsadhan delivers a speech at the 94th Saudi National Day event held in Seoul, Sept. 23. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Seoul celebrated the kingdom's unification and highlighted the growing ties between Korea and Saudi Arabia during the 94th Saudi National Day event in Seoul on Sept. 23.
"On behalf of myself and the members and staff of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I am honored to take this precious occasion to extend to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, crown prince and prime minister, and to the honorable Saudi people my sincere and heartfelt congratulations on this precious national occasion, wishing the kingdom further progress, development and prosperity," Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Korea Sami M. Alsadhan said.
Alsadhan warmly welcomed the evening's guest of honor, Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo, expressing gratitude for his presence despite his busy schedule.
"Ladies and gentlemen, 94 years have passed since the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, full of gifts and sacrifices provided by our grandfathers and fathers and preserved by our sons and grandchildren," he said. "Congratulations to us and to the nation for these achievements that have consolidated the kingdom's status on the international scene, and it has become an active member of the largest global economic gathering known as the Group of 20 under the slogan 'We dream and achieve' as an expression of the dreams that have been achieved and are still on the ground within the kingdom's ambitious Vision 2030."
Reflecting on bilateral relations, Alsadhan emphasized their unprecedented development and growth.
"We are celebrating today while Saudi-Korean relations are witnessing unprecedented development and growth that includes various fields within a comprehensive strategic partnership towards the future that aims for deeper, broader and more comprehensive cooperation," he said.
He recalled the significant milestones in the relationship, including the high-level visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to Korea in 2022 and the official visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol to Saudi Arabia in 2023.
"The high-level visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, crown prince and prime minister, to the Republic of Korea in 2022, which reached understandings and convergence of stances and visions regarding the future of these relations, and the official visit of His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, president of the Republic of Korea, to the kingdom in 2023, contributed to consolidate this relationship, and the Strategic Partnership Council was established at the leadership level to become the institutional framework for these relations in its present and future," he said.
The ambassador expressed hope and determination to continue strengthening this partnership in a way that serves the interests of both nations, saying, "As we proudly recall the journey of these relations since their establishment in 1962, we look forward with determination to fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the two friendly leaderships and peoples to continue strengthening this partnership in a way that serves the interests of both countries."