[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in, who is visiting three countries in the Middle East, held talks with Mohamed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in Dubai on the 16th (local time). They had in-depth discussions on bilateral issues including support for the Busan Expo bid and the ‘Cheongung II’ contract.
President Moon said, "Despite the COVID-19 situation, the two countries have continued cooperation and achieved many results in various fields such as the Barakah nuclear power plant, defense and arms industry, healthcare, and agriculture, under the special friendship of a 'special strategic partnership.'"
Mohamed Al Maktoum responded that he is impressed with the achievements every time he works with top-tier Korean companies worldwide, and he is especially very satisfied with the Barakah nuclear power plant.
President Moon said, "Busan is a gateway city where the Eurasian continent and the Pacific meet, and it has sufficient capacity to embrace the future of the world. I ask for your interest and support for the Busan Expo bid," adding, "I hope to share the UAE’s experience of successfully winning and hosting the Dubai Expo."
He also added, "Based on the deep trust between the two countries, I am pleased that we mutually support the UAE’s hosting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) and Korea’s hosting of COP33."
They also discussed the defense sector. President Moon said, "The Ark Unit, which has had about 2,000 soldiers deployed so far, marked its 10th anniversary of dispatch. The two countries have dramatically expanded cooperation in defense and arms industries based on brotherly friendship and trust," adding, "During this visit, we signed a ‘mid-to-long-term defense industry cooperation and defense technology cooperation MOU,’ and I am pleased that the ‘Cheongung II’ project contract is progressing smoothly."
Mohamed Al Maktoum expressed satisfaction with the cooperation in the defense sector and said he is pleased that cooperation in all fields has developed brilliantly.
In addition, President Moon discussed cooperation with Mohamed Al Maktoum in the fields of hydrogen, space, desert agriculture, and seawater desalination.
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