Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol explored the cutting-edge developments in the Kingdom's digital economy, innovation, and space ecosystem.

Welcomed by the Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha at the innovation hub "The Garage," Yoon lauded Saudi Arabia's significant progress in research, development, and innovation.

President Yoon's exhibition tour showcased Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing global challenges and achieving national aspirations through digital initiatives.

He commended the Kingdom's strides in the research sector, highlighting advanced national laboratories and research centers as catalysts for innovation.

Expressing Korea's keen interest in deeper scientific and technical collaboration, Yoon emphasized the Saudi Arabia — Korea Partnership Forum on Key Technologies of the Future.

He identified digitization, clean energy, and space as pivotal areas for cooperation, influencing global industries and driving future growth.

Yoon lauded Saudi Arabia's move towards smart cities, government, and companies through technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing.

He saw this as an opportunity for collaboration and partnerships between the private sectors of both nations.

Praising the Kingdom's virtual hospital project, President Yoon envisioned reduced medical costs and improved healthcare conditions through collaboration.

He expressed a desire to expand cooperation in space technology, including lunar exploration and satellite development, highlighting the potential for a solid partnership and global impact.

Al-Swaha echoed the sentiment of a strategic partnership extending beyond trade and energy. He emphasized the goal of achieving global leadership in energy technologies and digital innovation, solidifying the enduring bond between the two countries.

During a forum attended by Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih, Al-Swaha outlined potential collaboration areas, including fifth and sixth-generation technologies, advanced industries, artificial intelligence, and space technologies.

President Yoon actively participated in presentations discussing outcomes of workshops on digital technologies, innovation, clean energy, and space — a testament to the depth of Saudi-Korean collaboration.