▲ South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who is on a state visit to Saudi Arabia, delivers a speech during the South Korea-Saudi Arabia Partnership Forum on Key Technologies of the Future at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Riyadh on Oct. 23, 2023. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

Yoon-Qatar-interview

Yoon says S. Korea hopes to cooperate with Qatar in defense, high-tech industries: interview

By Lee Haye-ah

RIYADH, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has said he hopes to expand cooperation with Qatar to encompass investment, the defense industry, agriculture and other sectors, according to an interview published Tuesday.

Yoon made the remark in a written interview with Qatar News Agency (QNA) ahead of his state visit to the Arab nation later in the day.

"It holds much significance to be the first Korean president to make a state visit to Qatar," he said, noting he will have in-depth discussions on the future of the bilateral relationship when he meets with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. "I hope this visit will serve as an invaluable opportunity to elevate our bilateral relations to a new level."

Yoon outlined the two countries' past cooperation in the energy and construction sectors, saying Qatar has helped South Korea maintain its energy security as its second-largest supplier of liquefied natural gas, while Korean companies have participated in some 130 construction projects in Qatar over the past 50 years.

"The Korean government intends to expand the scope of our cooperation, moving beyond the fields of energy and construction to encompass investment, the defense industry, agriculture, culture and people-to-people exchanges," he said in the interview.

"We will also push for cooperation programs which will bring more tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries," he added.

Yoon's two-day visit comes as the countries are set to mark the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations next year.

"During my state visit, I will be accompanied by a delegation of leaders from around 60 Korean businesses which specialize in various emerging industries such as digital technology, biohealth, smart farming and cultural content," he said, stressing the importance of expanding the scope of cooperation to include high-tech industries.

Yoon also said the South Korean government will actively explore ways to expand cooperation in the fields of education, culture and tourism, given that fostering mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries' peoples is a crucial foundation for steady progress in the bilateral relationship.

Yoon is set to travel to Doha from Saudi Arabia after wrapping up a four-day state visit to the Middle Eastern kingdom.

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