▲ South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (L) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman hold talks at the Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Oct. 22, 2023. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

S Korea-Saudi Arabia-joint statement

S. Korea, Saudi Arabia reject targeting of civilians in Israel-Hamas war: joint statement

By Lee Haye-ah

RIYADH, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Saudi Arabia reject the targeting of civilians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine and will work for the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilian victims, a joint summit statement adopted by the two countries' leaders said Tuesday.

The statement was adopted on the occasion of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's four-day state visit to Saudi Arabia and released after his summit with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday.

It was the first such document between the two countries since 1980 and contained 44 clauses on a wide range of themes, including deepening the future-oriented strategic partnership, enhancing trade and investment in future-oriented industries and strengthening cooperation in the fields of construction and infrastructure.

Yoon and Crown Prince Mohammed also agreed on a series of steps to expand the scope of the two countries' partnership for international and regional peace and security.

"Regarding the currently escalating situation between Israel and Palestine, the two sides rejected targeting civilians in any way," the statement said, noting the leaders emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law.

The leaders "agreed to work with the international community for the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to suffering civilians," it said, adding: "The two sides stressed the importance of intensifying efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading and the need for political solution and durable peace based on the two-state solution."

The joint statement noted the potential for greater cooperation in various sectors, including construction and infrastructure, energy and climate change, and defense and the defense industry.

"The two sides agreed to actively explore the expansion of mutual investments in areas of common interest including the hydrogen economy, smart cities, future mobility means and startups," it said.

The statement also outlined a number of contracts and memorandums of understanding signed on the occasion of Yoon's state visit, including a US$2.4 billion gas plant deal and a $400 million car assembly plant project.

North Korea's nuclear and missile programs were another topic of discussion.

"The two sides condemned all forms of violations of Security Council resolutions related to combating the spread of weapons of mass destruction, including the pursuit of nuclear and ballistic programs as well as arms transfer that could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and the international community," the statement said.

"The two sides stressed the importance of supporting international efforts aimed at preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction as they represent a threat and undermine international peace and security," it added.

Saudi Arabia commended South Korea's "relentless efforts and determined endeavors," including the Yoon administration's "Audacious Initiative," which offers massive economic assistance in exchange for a denuclearization commitment from North Korea.

"The Korean side expressed its support for Saudi Arabia's efforts toward stability in the Middle East, recognizing that the stability in the region directly affects peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the international community at large," the statement said.

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