Abu dhabi: A top aide to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Monday that he visited Saudi Arabia as a special envoy on strategic economic cooperation over the weekend and delivered Lee's personal letter expressing hope to forge closer ties with the Middle Eastern nation.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, stated that he traveled to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, as the country was not included in Lee's ongoing Middle East swing. Kang is currently accompanying Lee in Abu Dhabi on the president's state visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Kang indicated that although President Lee was unable to visit Saudi Arabia during this trip due to scheduling issues, he conveyed his intention to arrange a future visit to discuss ways to strengthen economic and security cooperation between the two countries. Kang shared this information on X, a social media platform.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Kang delivered President Lee's letter to Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. He also engaged in a phone conversation with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, who is currently traveling.

President Lee arrived in Abu Dhabi earlier in the day, marking his first trip to the Middle East since taking office in June.