Navy chief to visit Saudi Arabia for high-level maritime defense dialogue

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul is set to embark on a six-day trip to Saudi Arabia later this week, according to the Navy. The purpose of his visit is to engage in high-level discussions aimed at expanding military exchanges and strengthening maritime defense cooperation. Kim will convene with Vice Adm. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, who serves as the chief of staff of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces during his stay in Riyadh.

The agenda includes exploring ways to bolster military collaboration, such as the potential establishment of a regular consultative mechanism and broadening educational and training programs. Additionally, Kim is scheduled to attend a bilateral workshop centered on defense industry cooperation, where he will share insights into South Korea's experiences in fleet operations and its defense and shipbuilding competencies.

The visit also presents an opportunity for Kim to identify areas of mutual cooperation in maritime defense matters. He plans to engage in similar dialogues with the commander of the Saudi Navy's Eastern Fleet and the head of the King Fahd Naval Academy. Furthermore, Kim will pay a visit to a shipyard managed by International Maritime Industries, located in the eastern port province of Ras Al-Khair.

During this visit, he intends to meet with the shipyard's top executive to discuss potential maritime defense partnerships, particularly in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector.