President Lee: “Korea and the UAE, From Brother Nations to an Economic Community”... First Meeting with Korean Residents

[The Financial News, Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) – Seong Seok-woo] On the 17th (local time), President Lee Jae Myung emphasized at a meeting with Korean residents in the UAE that "the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must advance beyond being brother nations and develop into an economic community."
At the gathering in Abu Dhabi, President Lee stated, "We should combine the capabilities of the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates to jointly research, produce, and expand into third markets."
Highlighting the similarities between the two nations, President Lee explained, "The UAE, while serving as a geopolitical bridge, is a small country with limited resources situated between major powers, much like Korea." He added, "I understand that President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MBZ) has remarked that the UAE should learn from Korea’s development story and the diligence and efforts of its people. Korea is a nation that achieved both industrialization and democratization solely through its human resources."
He also praised the UAE’s future-oriented strategy, noting, "By reducing its reliance on oil and boldly investing in renewable energy, nuclear power, advanced technology, and AI industries, the UAE is taking a global lead. Going forward, it will become not just a hub connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, but a new center in its own right."
President Lee further stated, "If the futures of the UAE and Korea converge, it will create tremendous synergy. Korea must expand its presence in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and the UAE will serve as our base camp in that process." He reiterated, "Together, we will confidently open a new path to shared prosperity."
west@fnnews.com Seong Seok-woo Reporter