South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is scheduled for state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar from Oct. 21 to Oct. 26, during which he plans to discuss the security situation pertaining to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Kim Tae-hyo, the first deputy director of the National Security Office expressed the government’s deep concern over the surge in civilian casualties and conveyed its readiness to actively support refugee-related issues as necessary. The official highlighted the significant roles both Saudi Arabia and Qatar have played in regional security and mediation, indicating that Yoon’s discussions will seek cooperative measures to enhance South Korea’s security through his Middle East diplomatic tour.

The presidential office clarified that the upcoming summit with Saudi Arabia would not involve discussions about the 2030 World Expo, for which Riyadh and Busan are competing host cities. Instead, both nations anticipate a competition rooted in mutual respect and goodwill, committing to graciously accept the final decision due at the end of November.