Saudi National Guard Minister Hosts South Korean Defense Officials to Bolster Military Cooperation

High-Level Defense Talks Held in Riyadh

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Saudi Minister of the National Guard, hosted a delegation of high-ranking South Korean defense officials in Riyadh on Monday, September 22, 2025. The meeting included Ahn Gyu-back, South Korea's Minister of National Defense, and Seok Jong-gun, Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program. The discussions centered on strengthening bilateral military and defense industry cooperation between the two nations.

Focus on Enhanced Cooperation and Industrial Partnerships

During the talks, both sides reviewed ways to further enhance defense cooperation and explored opportunities to develop partnerships within the military industries. This engagement underscores a mutual commitment to deepening strategic ties, with South Korea recognizing Saudi Arabia as a key partner in its 'Saudi Vision 2030' initiative. The Saudi National Guard, which operates independently from the Ministry of Defense, is responsible for internal security, protecting the royal family, and safeguarding critical infrastructure and holy sites.

Key areas of discussion included:

• Strengthening overall defense cooperation.
• Developing partnerships in military industries.
• Exploring opportunities for personnel exchanges and military education.
• Reviewing ongoing defense and defense industry cooperation projects.

Strategic Importance of Defense Localization

Saudi Arabia is actively pursuing a policy to localize over 50% of its defense industry, a significant component of 'Saudi Vision 2030'. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on imports and foster domestic capabilities. The National Guard is also undertaking a substantial ground equipment modernization project, presenting considerable opportunities for international collaboration. South Korean defense companies have shown keen interest in participating in these projects, viewing Saudi Arabia's force enhancement efforts as a chance to expand their exports and establish local subsidiaries.

Broader Context of Bilateral Relations

The meeting builds upon a history of growing defense ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea. Previous engagements have seen high-level visits, including Prince Abdullah bin Bandar's meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul in November 2024, where defense industry cooperation was highlighted as pivotal for advancing relations across various fields. In February 2024, South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik also visited Riyadh, agreeing to ramp up defense industry collaboration and increase personnel exchanges and joint training. These ongoing dialogues reflect a shared strategic interest in enhancing security capabilities and fostering a robust defense industrial base.