Former President Lee Myung-bak and UAE President's '100-Year Friendship'

Unprecedented Visit to Former President's Residence During State Visit
Entire Family Welcomes... Official Invitation from Abu Dhabi
Continuing Ties Since 2009 Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Contract

"Ah! It's really good to see you, this person."

Former President Lee Myung-bak said this just before welcoming President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the yard of his residence in Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 29th of last month. The two met for the first time in eight years since former President Lee visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2016 at President Mohammed's invitation.

Former Senior Secretary for National Policy Planning Kwak Seung-joon and former Director General of General Planning Jang Da-sa-ro, who worked with former President Lee, greeted President Mohammed at the front gate first. Former President Lee, dressed in hanbok, waited for President Mohammed at the entrance of the residence along with Mrs. Kim Yoon-ok. Their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren were also present. President Mohammed, who entered the entrance with former Senior Secretary Kwak and former Director General Jang, received bouquets from former President Lee's biological grandchildren. A sign with the phrase welcoming him ("My dear friend, welcome to my home!") was also attached to one of the pillars at the entrance. Seeing this, President Mohammed placed his hand on his chest and said emotionally, "Oh my god, my friend."

Former President Lee Myung-bak and Mrs. Kim Yoon-ok are taking a commemorative photo with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at their residence in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the morning of the 29th. 2024.5.29 [Image source=Yonhap News]

Former President Lee and President Mohammed continued their conversation for 55 minutes at the residence. While taking commemorative photos, former President Lee said, "We are very happy," to which President Mohammed responded, "We are." The two exchanged greetings in English and discussed topics such as cooperation between Korea and the UAE, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the U.S. presidential election, focusing on international affairs.

Former Minister of the Interior and Safety Maeng Hyung-kyu and former Presidential Secretary General Ha Geum-yeol were also present. Former Minister Maeng said, "I felt the atmosphere of genuine respect and affection between the two," adding, "President Mohammed really liked seeing former President Lee with his family and officially invited all the family members to Abu Dhabi."

It is rare for a foreign head of state on a state visit to visit the home of a former president who has been out of office for over ten years. President Mohammed expressed his special feelings by sending a total of 13 dishes to former President Lee’s residence, prepared by the UAE royal chef who accompanied him on the visit, including eight dishes (dinner on the 28th) and five dishes (breakfast on the 29th) featuring salmon, lamb, and other main ingredients.

Former President Lee Myung-bak is meeting with President Mohammed of the UAE at his residence in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the 29th. 2024.5.29 [Image source=Yonhap News]

This meeting originated from the relationship formed during the 2009 UAE Barakah Nuclear Power Plant contract process. At that time, the UAE was planning to entrust the nuclear power plant construction to France. However, former President Lee personally persuaded President Mohammed (then Crown Prince), who held actual authority, through several phone calls. The UAE side, feeling pressured, postponed calls multiple times, but former President Lee did not give up. In his memoir, recalling the situation, he wrote, "When I was elected president, I promised the people that I would manage the country rather than just govern it. From a management perspective, I thought it was natural to prioritize national interest over my pride. It was a historic milestone for our country, so it was not a matter of saving face."

At that time, Korea had never exported nuclear power plants. The contract with France was reportedly almost finalized, and the then Minister of Foreign Affairs reportedly told the president that "there was no possibility at all." However, former President Lee did not give up and made every effort, including dispatching a 40-member delegation led by former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and ministers from related departments to the UAE. Eventually, President Mohammed opened his heart, and former President Lee visited the UAE personally to seal the deal.

Former President Lee was well acquainted with Middle Eastern culture since his days working at Hyundai Construction. Middle Eastern countries value emotions and friendship over mechanical calculations. Former President Lee also pursued that style. Upon arriving in the UAE, to show a "brotherly heart," he paid respects at the tomb of the late President Zayed, President Mohammed’s father. At that time, President Mohammed appeared unexpectedly and personally guided former President Lee throughout.

The nuclear power plant contract is called a "100-year friendship" because it includes not only construction but also operation over the 60-year lifespan of the plant after completion. Even after signing the contract, former President Lee maintained his relationship with President Mohammed, sending letters and gifts whenever something happened. It is said he paid special attention to every phrase in the letters.

Park Hyung-joon, Mayor of Busan (former Senior Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House), recalled, "It was very impressive that the diplomatic relationship was not formal or ceremonial but one where hearts were exchanged." Lee Jae-oh, Chairman of the Democracy Movement Memorial Foundation (former Special Minister), said, "They became personally close during the nuclear power plant contract process," adding, "They kept their promises, such as dispatching the Ark Unit, building trust between the two countries, and developing personal trust."