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In response to an official invitation from the Government of the Republic of Korea, Second Deputy Prime
Minister, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector-General Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz visited Seoul
from October 17 to 19, 2000.
During the visit, Prince Sultan was received by South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung, with whom he held
positive and fruitful talks. He also held talks with South Korean Prime Minister Han-Tong Yi, with Chairman
of the National Council and Defense Minister Sho Sung-Tae and other senior officials. The talks dealt with
regional and international topics of common interest as well as bilateral affairs.
Concerning the latter, the two sides paid tribute to achievements in the various fields of cooperation and
voiced satisfaction over the developments of these relations. The two sides agreed to continue to develop
the balance of trade, encouraging investments and joint ventures, and to expand the scope of cooperation
in economic, industrial, technological, technical and petrochemical domains. The two sides disclosed their
desire to conclude an agreement on reciprocal encouragement and protection of investments. Other
agreements will also be signed.
On petroleum production, the two sides voiced satisfaction over their joint investments, the Korean side
praising the Saudi policy aimed at stability of the oil market. The two sides also voiced satisfaction over
the positive results attained by their delegations in the efforts exerted by the Kingdom to join the World
Trade Organization (STO), and a bilateral agreement was concluded on penetration of markets in the areas
of goods and services according to the offers made by the Kingdom in this regard. South Korea gave
assurances of its commitment to assume a constructive role in the process of negotiations aimed at
enabling the Kingdom to join WTO in accordance with fair conditions achieving the required balance
between the obligations and anticipated benefits.
The two sides agreed to the continuation of cooperation and exchange of visits between military officials
as well as continuation of scholarships for officers in the academic and military institutions in both
countries.
In respect of the peace process in the Middle East, the two sides voiced deep concern over the painful
events that had taken place recently between Palestinians and Israelis, resulting in numerous victims
amongst civilians. The two sides expressed deep sympathy with these victims and their relatives, and
confirmed that the peace process should be just and fair.
The two sides underscored the importance of the issue of the holy city of Al-Quds [Jerusalem] where no
one-sided actions should be taken. They emphasized that efforts should be made to achieve a just,
comprehensive and lasting peace based on the relevant UN resolutions and according to the Madrid
conference, the land-for-peace principle, and complete restoration of all occupied territories.
The two sides also voiced hope that the constructive policy of dialogue adopted by South Korea in its
relations with North Korea will lead to the establishment of a practical basis for peaceful coexistence based
on reconciliation and reciprocal confidence.
Urging all countries to sign the relevant pact, the two sides underscored the importance of eradicating
weapons of mass destruction. Each side voiced appreciation of the efforts exerted by the other for the
restoration of security and stability in both the Middle East and Northeast Asia. Both sides condemned all
acts of terrorism.
They voiced satisfaction over Prince Sultan's fruitful visit, and stressed the importance of following up the
results of the visit with an exchange of visits among officials of both countries to develop and support the
various aspects of bilateral relations in order to serve their common interests.