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Foreign minister asks counterpart in Riyadh for cooperation in oil supply

Published: 14 Mar. 2026, 10:32

Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun speaks on a telephone in this file photo released by the ministry. [MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS]

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun held an emergency phone call on Friday evening with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, requesting “active cooperation and support to ensure that crude oil supplies continue without disruption.”

According to Korea’s Foreign Ministry, Cho expressed deep concern during the call over damage to major energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia — including oil fields and refining facilities — caused by recent attacks by Iran, and conveyed his condolences and solidarity.

In response, Faisal emphasized that energy facilities in Gulf countries had suffered serious damage and asked for continued attention and support from the Korean government.

The two ministers also discussed securing the safety of about 2,700 Korean nationals currently staying in Saudi Arabia, as well as potential arrangements for their return home.

Cho said Seoul would continue consultations on specific measures to ensure their safe return, including the possible deployment of emergency flights operated by Saudi carriers between Riyadh and Incheon.

He also urged the Saudi government to provide special attention and support to ensure the safety of Korean nationals in the country. The Saudi side expressed its willingness to cooperate and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the future-oriented strategic partnership between the two countries.

The ministry said both ministers agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to help restore peace and stability in the Middle East.

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY KO SUNG-PYO [[email protected]]