The presidential office said on the 29th that President Lee Jae-myung spoke by phone with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and thanked him for giving Korea top priority in crude oil supply even during the war.
According to Kyunghyang Shinmun, presidential chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing on the 29th that Lee had spoken with the crown prince and prime minister. The call took place at Saudi Arabia’s request. Lee thanked him for prioritizing crude supply to Korea even in wartime.
광고 문의 · 300×250Lee offered condolences over civilian and economic facility damage and casualties in Saudi Arabia from the Middle East war, and expressed Seoul’s solidarity. Newsis reported that the presidential office described this as sympathy over damage from the Middle East war.
Upgrading ties and background
The two leaders agreed to keep close communication and cooperation even in wartime and to take the relationship up a level. Kang said the countries would strengthen mutually beneficial, practical cooperation in various fields as ‘future-oriented strategic partners’. They agreed to meet in person at a convenient time and continue discussing ways to develop ties.
Korea relies on the Middle East for a large share of its crude imports. Media have reported that Lee stressed this year that every drop of oil must be secured and that stable supply sources must be developed. However, the presidential office’s announcement did not say whether specific volumes or contracts were discussed on this call, and that has not been confirmed.