President Lee Meets Korean and UAE Business Leaders: "Toward Global Powerhouses Through Energy and Defense Cooperation"

Korea-UAE Business Roundtable Held on the 19th
Lee: "UAE Will Emerge as a Leading Global Nation"
Proposals for Cooperation in Energy, Artificial Intelligence, and Defense Industries

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is greeting Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, at the Korea-UAE Business Roundtable held at a hotel in Abu Dhabi on the 19th (local time). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On the 19th (local time) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Let us deepen cooperation in clean energy and the defense industry so that Korea and the UAE can secure momentum to grow together into the world's leading nations."

President Lee made these remarks at the 'Korea-UAE Business Roundtable' event held at a hotel in downtown Abu Dhabi on the morning of his final day of the state visit to the UAE.

President Lee first assessed, "The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, a symbol of cooperation between the two countries, is now operating normally, and in the defense sector, we have achieved remarkable results, ranging from the Akh Unit to Cheongung-II, a medium-range and medium-altitude interception system."

He continued, "I am confident that the UAE will emerge as a world-class nation by 2071, its centennial year. The leaders of both countries agreed that Korea is the optimal partner for this goal," adding, "To this end, I would like to suggest several directions for our partnership going forward."

Regarding energy cooperation between the two countries, President Lee analyzed, "Energy transition cooperation, which combines the UAE's solar power generation with Korea's advanced battery technology, will greatly contribute to achieving joint carbon neutrality by 2050 and fostering eco-friendly new industries." He further explained, "Korea can also contribute to the development of the UAE's nuclear power industry by building local plants for nuclear fuel and electricity-related production. I look forward to mutually beneficial cooperation being realized."

He also proposed creating future growth engines through advanced industry cooperation centered on artificial intelligence (AI). President Lee emphasized, "This visit will accelerate cooperation in advanced industries, such as the construction of AI data centers. Korea will become the most reliable partner as the UAE aims to become an 'AI hub' by 2031."

In the defense sector, he said, "We should enhance the level of cooperation through joint development and local production, and also pursue joint entry into third countries. Through this, I hope our cooperation will expand to a global scale."

Meanwhile, suggesting soft power cooperation, he said, "I heard that the K-Food and Beauty Exhibition was recently held successfully at the Dubai K-Expo. Recently, Korean beef was exported to the UAE for the first time, showing new possibilities in the halal market. I hope that, through cooperation with the UAE-a cultural powerhouse in the Middle East-K-Culture will spread throughout the region."

UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan responded, "The relationship between the Republic of Korea and the UAE goes beyond 45 years of diplomatic ties." He added, "It is founded on shared values, dialogue, partnership, and a belief in global cooperation. These principles will continue to guide us, strengthen our friendship, and open new paths to prosperity."

He also said, "We have gathered again in Abu Dhabi to further strengthen our commitment to innovation, artificial intelligence, clean renewable energy, and sustainable development. These are goals that we value highly."

This event was organized on the occasion of President Lee's state visit to the UAE. It was co-hosted by the Federation of Korean Industries, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade, and the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More than 50 officials from both governments, institutions, and companies attended. From the Korean side, the economic delegation included Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun, and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dongkwan.