Saudi Arabia marks 95th National Day, highlights deepening ties with Korea

Fahad Barakah, Saudi Arabian chargé d’affaires to Korea, left, speak to Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan during the kingdom’s 95th National Day in Seoul, Sept. 22. Courtesy of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

Saudi Arabian chargé d’affaires to Korea Fahad Barakah marked the kingdom’s 95th National Day in Seoul on Sept. 22 with a call to deepen cooperation with Korea, as the two nations pledged to expand their partnership in energy, technology and culture.

The reception, held at a downtown hotel, drew diplomats, Korean officials and business leaders. Barakah welcomed Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan as a guest of honor, praising Seoul’s role as a trusted partner of Riyadh.

“It is my great honor to welcome you on this blessed evening as we celebrate together the 95th National Day of the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Barakah said. He extended congratulations to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and to the Saudi people, calling the anniversary a “historic milestone” that reflected the kingdom’s journey to become a strong and prosperous state.

Barakah said Saudi Arabia has become an influential player on the global stage, with its Vision 2030 reform agenda setting a model for sustainable development. He highlighted deepening bilateral ties in conventional and renewable energy, petrochemicals, technology, health and culture. He also pointed to the 2019 launch of the Saudi-Korea Strategic Partnership Council, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed and Korean President Lee Jae Myung, as a framework to drive joint initiatives such as hydrogen energy and smart city development.

Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Kim Jung-kwan speaks during the kingdom’s 95th National Day in Seoul, Sept. 22. Courtesy of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

In his address, the minister emphasized the “long and mutually beneficial partnership” between the two countries since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962.

“In particular, the Shaheen Project, which began during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Korea in 2022, is progressing smoothly,” Kim said, noting that Hyundai Motor broke ground in May on a new manufacturing project.

He also welcomed the launch of a joint venture between Korea’s tech giant Naver and Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company in Riyadh, calling it “a sign of growing bilateral collaboration in AI (artificial intelligence) and digital technology.”

Despite its role as the world’s top oil exporter, Kim said, Saudi Arabia is preparing for the post-oil era through Vision 2030, while Korea is pursuing innovation under the Lee Jae Myung administration.

“With both countries focusing on a new phase of growth, President Lee and Crown Prince Mohammed held their first phone conversation last month and agreed to expand and deepen cooperation across energy, infrastructure and advanced technologies,” Kim said.

The minister proposed three directions for the future partnership: restarting the Korea-Saudi Vision 2030 Committee with Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih; diversifying into AI, semiconductors, robotics and cultural industries such as K-pop, K-dramas and esports; and extending the Korea-Saudi model of economic cooperation across the Middle East and North Africa. He added that Korea would move quickly to ratify a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, finalized in 2023.

Barakah echoed those ambitions, saying the Saudi-Korean partnership “will remain a cornerstone for the aspirations of both friendly nations toward greater progress, peace and prosperity.” He said the kingdom looked to the future “with confidence and optimism” as it sought to become a global model of sustainable development and international partnerships.