South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Friday called for expanding economic ties with Saudi Arabia, saying the two countries should seek exchanges in new areas such as renewable energy, the local media reported.
Park made the remark in a meeting with Muhammed Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia's minister of economy and planning, and other top economic officials from the Middle Eastern nation, Seoul's presidential office said in a press release carried by Yonhap News Agency.
The delegation is currently in Seoul to attend a joint business forum.
"Until now, our countries have cooperated closely in the energy and construction sectors, but I hope (the two countries) will seek ways to further expand cooperation in various areas, such as health and medical services, information and communications technology (ICT), human resources' development and especially in renewable energy, including nuclear power," Park was quoted as saying.
Park also expressed hope that the two countries would open a "new horizen" for bilateral cooperation through various exchanges, including her planned meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud at the upcoming summit of the Group of 20 advanced economies in Brisbane, Australia, on November 15-16. Park also said she is also planning a visit to the Kingdom next year.
For his part, the Saudi minister praised South Korea for its achievements, saying the country has set an example that many would like to follow, according to the report.