ABU DHABI, November 18, 2025: President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and President Lee Jae-myung of the Republic of Korea held official talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, focusing on strengthening their countries’ Special Strategic Partnership and advancing economic, technological, and energy cooperation. The meeting took place at Qasr Al Watan during the Korean leader’s state visit to the UAE. President Sheikh Mohamed welcomed President Lee and reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties with South Korea across key sectors including trade, investment, energy, and innovation. Both sides reviewed progress made under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2024, and discussed expanding collaboration in fields such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, advanced technology, education, and culture.
The two leaders underlined the importance of building on the achievements of recent years to broaden the economic relationship and promote sustainable development. President Sheikh Mohamed said the partnership between the UAE and South Korea is based on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for progress. He described South Korea as one of the UAE’s most significant trade partners and noted that bilateral relations have become a model for constructive cooperation between Asia and the Gulf region. President Lee Jae-myung expressed appreciation for the UAE’s warm reception and emphasized Korea’s interest in strengthening cooperation in advanced technology, clean energy, and cultural exchange.
He described the relationship between the two countries as one that continues to evolve in a way that benefits both nations, highlighting shared achievements in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and innovation. During the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of common concern. They affirmed their shared support for international efforts to promote peace, stability, and economic growth, particularly in the Middle East. Both sides emphasized that continued dialogue and cooperation are essential to achieving mutual prosperity and sustainable progress. President Sheikh Mohamed hosted an official luncheon in honor of President Lee and his accompanying delegation. Earlier in the day, an official reception ceremony was held at Qasr Al Watan to mark the Korean President’s arrival.
UAE and Korea focus on cultural and educational exchange
The ceremony featured the national anthems of both countries, a 21-gun salute, and a flypast by the UAE Air Force aerobatic team, Al Fursan, which trailed smoke in the colors of the Korean flag. Emirati folk groups performed traditional songs and dances, while children waving UAE and Korean flags welcomed the visiting delegation. The talks were attended by senior UAE officials including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs; and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President, also attended the discussions.
Economic and diplomatic partnership continues to evolve
Members of the Korean delegation included several ministers and senior officials representing economic, technological, and energy sectors. The visit marks another step in the growing cooperation between the UAE and South Korea, which has expanded steadily over recent years through joint initiatives in nuclear energy, infrastructure development, and knowledge exchange. The UAE and South Korea continue to build on a strong foundation of economic and diplomatic partnership established over four decades ago. Their latest talks reaffirmed both nations’ determination to advance cooperation through established frameworks such as CEPA and the Special Strategic Partnership, reflecting a mutual commitment to innovation-driven growth and global collaboration. – By Content Syndication Services.