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S. Korea seeks Saudi's cooperation for steady oil supply in foreign ministers' call | Yonhap News Agency

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March 13, 2026, 5:05 PM 6 min read 11 views

Summary

OK SEOUL, March 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign minister on Friday asked for Saudi Arabia's cooperation to ensure a steady supply of crude oil during a phone call with his Saudi counterpart as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz severely threaten global energy supply chains, Seoul's foreign ministry said. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is seen in this photo provided by his ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) During the call, Cho asked for Riyadh's support in maintaining stable oil supplies to South Korea, which relies on Saudi Arabia as its largest crude oil supplier. Around 2,700 South Koreans currently reside in Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. (END) Keywords #Saudi Arabia #foreign ministers #Middle East #oil supply #S Korea Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects (LEAD) Gov't to take steps to implement fuel price cap this week as Mideast crisis intensifies Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) PM calls on Vance to work together to quickly implement deals on nuclear subs, energy, shipbuilding Lee calls for close monitoring of gas stations as fuel price cap takes effect N. Korea seeks Saudi's cooperation for steady oil supply in foreign ministers' call Next S.

## Summary
OK SEOUL, March 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign minister on Friday asked for Saudi Arabia's cooperation to ensure a steady supply of crude oil during a phone call with his Saudi counterpart as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz severely threaten global energy supply chains, Seoul's foreign ministry said. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is seen in this photo provided by his ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) During the call, Cho asked for Riyadh's support in maintaining stable oil supplies to South Korea, which relies on Saudi Arabia as its largest crude oil supplier. Around 2,700 South Koreans currently reside in Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. (END) Keywords #Saudi Arabia #foreign ministers #Middle East #oil supply #S Korea Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects (LEAD) Gov't to take steps to implement fuel price cap this week as Mideast crisis intensifies Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) PM calls on Vance to work together to quickly implement deals on nuclear subs, energy, shipbuilding Lee calls for close monitoring of gas stations as fuel price cap takes effect N. Korea seeks Saudi's cooperation for steady oil supply in foreign ministers' call Next S.

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SEOUL, March 13 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign minister on Friday asked for Saudi Arabia's cooperation to ensure a steady supply of crude oil during a phone call with his Saudi counterpart as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz severely threaten global energy supply chains, Seoul's foreign ministry said.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the Middle East crisis during their telephone conversation.
Iran has attacked commercial ships in the Persian Gulf and halted cargo traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route, in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes that began Feb. 28. Tehran has also targeted oil fields and refineries in Gulf Arab nations, aiming to generate enough global economic pain to pressure the United States and Israel to end their strikes.
South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is seen in this photo provided by his ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
During the call, Cho asked for Riyadh's support in maintaining stable oil supplies to South Korea, which relies on Saudi Arabia as its largest crude oil supplier.
Faisal told Cho that recent Iranian attacks have damaged civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, causing significant losses for Gulf countries, and asked for Seoul's understanding and support.
Cho expressed "deep concern" over the regional damage to civilians and energy infrastructure, conveying sympathy and solidarity.
He also thanked Riyadh for helping ensure the safe return of South Korean nationals and agreed to continue coordinating emergency countermeasures, including additional flights from Riyadh to Incheon.
Around 2,700 South Koreans currently reside in Saudi Arabia, the ministry said.
(END)
Keywords
#Saudi Arabia
#foreign ministers
#Middle East
#oil supply
#S Korea
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S. Korea seeks Saudi's cooperation for steady oil supply in foreign ministers' call
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S. Korea seeks Saudi's cooperation for steady oil supply in foreign ministers' call

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- Faisal told Cho that recent Iranian attacks have damaged civilian and energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, causing significant losses for Gulf countries, and asked for Seoul's understanding and support.

### Areas for Consideration
- Cho expressed "deep concern" over the regional damage to civilians and energy infrastructure, conveying sympathy and solidarity.
- Around 2,700 South Koreans currently reside in Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. (END) Keywords #Saudi Arabia #foreign ministers #Middle East #oil supply #S Korea Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects (LEAD) Gov't to take steps to implement fuel price cap this week as Mideast crisis intensifies Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) PM calls on Vance to work together to quickly implement deals on nuclear subs, energy, shipbuilding Lee calls for close monitoring of gas stations as fuel price cap takes effect N.

### Implications
- Around 2,700 South Koreans currently reside in Saudi Arabia, the ministry said. (END) Keywords #Saudi Arabia #foreign ministers #Middle East #oil supply #S Korea Articles with issue keywords Most Liked U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation (News Focus) USFK's relocation of military assets to Middle East raises concerns about Seoul's capability to deter N.K. threats 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life BTS expands Gwanghwamun concert capacity to 22,000 with added standing zones BTS to launch 'Arirang' pop-ups to mark new album release Most Saved U.S. transport aircraft spotted departing Osan Air Base amid Patriot relocation speculation 16th Gwangju Biennale: You must change your life Lee says to swiftly introduce fuel price cap as Mideast crisis intensifies Lee urges caution over reform measures to minimize side effects (LEAD) Gov't to take steps to implement fuel price cap this week as Mideast crisis intensifies Most Viewed All Categories (3rd LD) PM calls on Vance to work together to quickly implement deals on nuclear subs, energy, shipbuilding Lee calls for close monitoring of gas stations as fuel price cap takes effect N.
- Korea slams Japan's plan to deploy long-range missiles (2nd LD) Vance welcomes Nat'l Assembly passage of U.S. investment bill: Seoul's PM office (LEAD) U.S. sanctions 6 individuals, 2 entities for roles in N.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers saudi, foreign, oil topics. Notable strengths include discussion of saudi. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 551.
saudi foreign oil korea seoul south arabia supply

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