South Korea, Saudi Arabia Forge Defense Industry Collaboration Through MOU

South Korea and Saudi Arabia have recently taken a step towards defense industry cooperation by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on mid- to long-term collaboration.

The agreement was inked by Defense Acquisition Program Administration Director Eom Dong-hwan and Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister of National Defense, Talal Abdullah Al-otaibi, in the presence of Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik in Riyadh on February 4.

The MOU outlines the establishment of a joint committee between the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Saudi Ministry of National Defense. The committee aims to foster defense industry and technology cooperation in the mid- to long-term. It will focus on areas such as joint research and development, as well as the production of weapon systems. A working group will also be formed to facilitate ongoing collaboration.

Director Eom Dong-hwan expressed expectations that the agreement would solidify the "future-oriented strategic partnership" between the two countries and serve as an opportunity to enhance practical defense industry cooperation. He emphasized the potential for the MOU to contribute to the development of friendly relations and the promotion of mutual benefits. The signing ceremony took place with the presence of Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman Al Saud.