Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water) is exploring ways to increase water-related cooperation and expand exchanges with Saudi Arabia in response to the climate crisis.
Abdulaziz Muhareb Al-Shibani, deputy minister of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, participated in the 6th Korea International Water Week held in Daegu on Dec. 6. During the event, he expressed great interest in K-water’s innovative water management technologies, including a digital twin-based integrated water management system, AI, and carbon-neutral water purification plants. Al-Shibani requested a meeting with Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, proposing collaboration.
Al-Shibani stated, “Saudi Arabia is facing water issues due to its geographical and climatic characteristics and increasing water demand driven by rapid economic growth.” He requested K-water’s active cooperation, including the exchange of experts and technology.
Subsequently, on Dec. 8, Al-Shibani, invited by President Yoon Suk-yeol, visited K-water’s headquarters in Daejeon. He inspected facilities including the Water Management Comprehensive Situation Room and the River Basin Water Supply Comprehensive Situation Room. Al-Shibani showed particular interest in K-water’s project to improve water supply efficiency, achieving more than 80% in water supply rate, and proposed collaboration to reduce water loss in the water supply process.
President Yoon Suk-yeol responded, “We will actively seek ways to enhance cooperation, such as expert and technical exchanges, to strengthen our water sector capabilities, and actively support the prosperity and growth of both countries by undertaking projects that are practically needed by Saudi Arabia, with whom we have various collaborations.”