"UAE as the Base Camp for Middle East Expansion"
"Both Countries Serve as Bridges... Solar Panels in the Desert, Transforming Barren Land"
"I Will Make Korea a Homeland Koreans Can Be Proud Of"
President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), stated on the 17th (local time), "Our country also needs to expand into Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and in the Middle East, the UAE can serve as a base camp."
President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is delivering a greeting at a dinner meeting with overseas Koreans held at a hotel in Abu Dhabi on the 17th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News
President Lee made these remarks at a dinner meeting with overseas Koreans held at a hotel after arriving in Abu Dhabi that day, adding, "The two countries will join hands and firmly open a new path to shared prosperity." He further explained, "The two countries should develop beyond being brother nations to become a kind of economic community, collaborating in research and production and advancing together into third markets."
President Lee also said, "The UAE and the Republic of Korea have many similarities," noting, "Both countries play a kind of bridging role geographically, but on the other hand, we can also be seen as small nations wedged between great powers with not much in terms of resources."
He also pointed out that both countries have achieved remarkable growth as another commonality. President Lee emphasized, "Korea is the only country among those liberated from colonial rule that has achieved industrialization and become a democratic nation," adding, "This is an extraordinary growth that will be recorded in human history."
Regarding the UAE, he said, "It is truly a great country," and continued, "Despite being able to accumulate wealth without worry by selling golden oil, the UAE invests in renewable energy, nuclear power, and advanced science and technology."
President Lee went on to say, "When I entered the UAE, I heard that fighter jets would escort Air Force One, so I tried to see them, but they were hidden by the wings. Instead, when I looked down, I saw vast solar panels spread across the desert. Barren land is being transformed into fertile soil, and a new world is opening up, like a complete transformation."
He also referred to last year's December 3 Martial Law. President Lee said, "About a year ago, there was an incident that shocked the world, with people asking, 'What's going on in that country?' 'It must be the North, would this happen in the South?' Afterwards, people wondered, 'Did they really resolve it so easily, smiling and holding cheering sticks?' We did not use guns or violence, but restored the situation beautifully with the power of the people, and we are now moving forward on our own path. This is the true strength of the Republic of Korea."
President Lee promised, "From now on, overseas Koreans will be proud to be citizens of the Republic of Korea," and added, "The Republic of Korea will be your strong support."
Meanwhile, at the meeting, Jang Gwangdeok, President of the Korean Association, said, "Every time I hear people here say, 'I trust you because you are Korean,' I feel proud," and pledged, "I will do my best as a civilian diplomat for the prosperity of both countries." Lee Yoonjin, Principal of Dubai Korean School, said, "Despite difficult circumstances, we are maintaining education about our Korean roots, and I will strive to be a small light that conveys the dignity of the Republic of Korea to the world."
After listening to the stories of the overseas Koreans, President Lee said, "The relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Korea will expand beyond what you imagine," and added, "I will make sure to transform our homeland into a country you can truly be proud of."
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