RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Marillyn A. Hewson, chairwoman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin on Tuesday, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The meeting reviewed the possible areas of partnership, especially in the military industries, and discussed the chances for strengthening cooperation between the two sides in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The meeting was attended by Ahmed Al-Khatib, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries, and Fahd Al-Issa, an adviser at the Royal Court and general supervisor of the defense minister’s office.
The global security and aerospace company on Wednesday also announced it will develop technology-related research projects with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner in a Master Research Agreement.
“Lockheed Martin is pleased to partner with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and KAUST to engineer a better tomorrow and make (the) Vision 2030 a reality,” said Lockheed Martin’s CEO. “By joining our R&D (research and development) efforts, we can produce innovative solutions for the world’s toughest challenges. At the same time, we can help develop leaders for the 21st-century workforce.”
Hewson signed the MoU with KAUST, which ranks among the Middle East’s best educational institutions, while visiting the university, where she serves on the Board of Trustees.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin and KAUST will focus on developing projects that have applications across a variety of sectors and support the Vision 2030 plans.
“As we look forward to a new era of progress, I am confident that this partnership with Lockheed Martin will allow us to advance R&D aligned to the KAUST mission of innovation and economic development,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, KAUST acting president.
“Together we can leverage our strengths toward achieving tangible results in mutual technology-related goals.”
Lockheed Martin has had a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1965 with the first delivery of the C-130 Hercules. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint in the Kingdom to include integrated air and missile defense systems, maritime and civilian applications such as satellite communications, air traffic control systems and energy solutions.
By 2020, the company plans to introduce combat ships, tactical aircraft and rotary wing technologies and programs to its portfolio in the Kingdom.
Saudi Crown prince discusses defense cooperation with Lockheed Martin
Saudi Crown prince discusses defense cooperation with Lockheed Martin
Korean Embassy uses cinema to bridge borders and strengthen Saudi ties
- Saudi Arabia and Korea have maintained a longstanding relationship that spans more than 60 years, with diplomatic relations beginning in 1962
RIYADH: The Korean Embassy in Riyadh hosted a Korean movie screening at the Cultural Palace on Friday to further Saudi-Korean understanding and enhance soft power through film.
“Film can contain lots of content and messages and culture and way of thinking and how the country lives,” Park So-yeon, consul and second secretary, told Arab News.
“To understand (Korea) much better, even without even going there, we can see the movie or drama,” she added.
“With one movie, it would be a very good way to see Korea, that is why I chose a movie,” she said.
Saudi Arabia and Korea have maintained a longstanding relationship that spans more than 60 years, with diplomatic relations beginning in 1962 when King Saud bin Abdulaziz and Korean President Park Chung-hee signed an agreement.
Since then, cooperation in soft power has flourished, with tourism, education, and cultural partnerships in film and drama expanding.
“The cultural cooperation started a few years ago between Saudi Arabia and Korea and amount the aspects the movie cooperation is the most lively part,” Park said.
Park said that major entertainment companies are expanding into the region and setting up headquarters in Riyadh.
“CG ENM, which is the entertainment Korean company, established regional headquarters in Riyadh in August.”
Park said that she hopes to host more film and cultural events in the new year as more Korean content and production companies make their way to the Kingdom.
The film selected for the screening was “Tunnel,” which features a man driving home for his daughter’s birthday when a tunnel collapses, trapping him inside his vehicle for days.
The consul explained how the selected film features themes of family, perseverance, and teamwork.
“It would be good for families and friends in Saudi Arabia to end this year thinking about family and life, that’s why I chose this movie for this event,” Park said.
The event also features activity stations where guests can customize key rings with charms, with all materials having been shipped directly from Korea for the occasion.
