S. Korea, Saudi Arabia discuss tighter cooperation

SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and Saudi Arabia discussed on Friday ways to further their cooperation in a range of fields covering diplomacy, security and trade. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Saudi Arabian Minister of Economy and Planning Adel Fakeih sat together for the 18th joint committee meeting in Seoul. The regular meeting was held as the two countries mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The joint committee is a symbol of the two countries' excellent relationship and a diplomatic asset, Kang said in her opening remarks, calling Saudi Arabia "an optimal partner" to South Korea. The Saudi Arabian minister hoped that the bilateral cooperation would soon yield special outcome. The meeting was designed to discuss joint projects between the countries in diplomatic and security issues as well as in the trade and investment fields. During the meeting, Kang was to ask for Saudi Arabia's support for South Korean companies' bid to join infrastructure building projects in the Arab country. pbr@yna.co.kr (END)