South Korean President Kim Dae-Jung on Tuesday held talks with Saudi Arabia's defense minister on the Middle East crisis and high oil prices, officials said.
The minister, Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz, arrived on Tuesday for a four-day official visit.
"President Kim highly expressed appreciation for efforts made by Saudi Arabia for peace in the Middle East," a press statement released by the presidential Blue House said.
The South Korean government hopes the crisis in the Middle East can be ended in accordance with UN resolutions, the statement quoted the president as telling the defense minister.
Kim Dae-Jung called on Saudi Arabia to play a leading role in stabilizing oil prices, adding that the higher cost on international markets are a "great burden" on South Korea's economy.
South Korea relies on oil imports for almost all of its energy resources.
The Saudi minister is to meet his South Korean counterpart, Cho Sung-Tae, on Wednesday.
"Cho and Prince Sultan will discuss regional security in Northeast and Middle East Asia and ways to enhance bilateral military exchanges and cooperation," a defense ministry spokesman said.
The prince, who is also second deputy prime minister, will also meet Prime Minister Lee Han-Dong and National Assembly Speaker Lee Man-Sup before he returns home Friday -- SEOUL (AFP)
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