President Park Geun-hye on Monday called on Saudi Arabia to actively support the ongoing global efforts to block North Korea's nuclear ambitions, her office Cheong Wa Dae said.

During her talks with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, Park also pledged to support the Middle East country's "Vision 2030" policy that aims to reduce its heavy reliance on oil exports, foster new industries and fundamentally reform its economic structure.

"Park asked Saudi Arabia -- the chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council and a country pursuing international peace and stability -- to actively participate in the international community's efforts to block North Korea's nuclear development," Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release.

"Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Salman shared his perspective that North Korea's activities threaten the stability of the countries in the Gulf region as well, and said that his country will actively support South Korea on North Korean issues," it added.

Regarding Saudi Arabia's economic reform policy, Park pledged to form an advisory panel of experts specializing in economic development and explore ways to contribute to the reform initiative.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas including new renewable energies, smart cities, electronic governance and the defense industry, the presidential office said.





By Yonhap News