Speaker Woo Discusses Expanding Cooperation in AI and Defense with Qatari Ambassador

On January 8, Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Wonsik met with Khalid Ibrahim Al-Hamar, Ambassador of Qatar to Korea, and proposed expanding bilateral cooperation beyond the energy sector.

Woo Wonsik, Speaker of the National Assembly (right in the photo), is meeting with Al-Hamar, Ambassador of Qatar to Korea, at the Speaker's office on the 8th. Photo by the Speaker's Office of the National Assembly

During the meeting at his office in the National Assembly, Speaker Woo stated, "Traditionally, our two countries have engaged in extensive exchanges and cooperation in the energy sector, but there is now significant potential for collaboration in other areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), defense industry, and investment."

He emphasized that King Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has shown great interest in cooperation in the defense sector, explaining, "The latest weapons such as the K2 tank and FA-50 would be well suited for Qatar." Regarding King Al Thani's planned visit to Korea in the first quarter of this year, Speaker Woo added, "Our President, Lee Jaemyung, also welcomes this, and I hope you will encourage His Majesty to visit the National Assembly during his stay."

In response, Ambassador Al-Hamar said, "There are opportunities to explore cooperation in AI, defense, trade, and investment," and added, "We are working to discover more opportunities for cooperation and investment with Korean companies and the Korean government."

Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by Fatma Al-Mir, Political Secretary, and from the National Assembly, Park Taeseo, Chief Public Relations Secretary, Ko Kyungseok, Ambassador for Special Affairs, and Koo Hyunwoo, Director General of International Affairs.