UAE and South Korea Issue Joint Declaration During President Lee’s State Visit
The UAE and the Republic of Korea have taken a major step forward in their long-standing relationship with a comprehensive joint declaration issued during the state visit of Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Abu Dhabi. President Lee and UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met at Qasr Al Watan, where they reaffirmed their commitment to elevating bilateral cooperation across a wide range of strategic sectors.
The two leaders highlighted the strong and steady expansion of UAE-Korea relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1980. Over more than four decades, the two countries have built deep partnerships in energy, construction, trade, investment, defense, advanced technology, space, healthcare, agriculture, education, and cultural exchange.
A Partnership Strengthened Over Time
The leaders expressed great satisfaction with the progress made over the years. They highlighted several major milestones that have shaped the partnership:
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project, awarded to Korean companies in 2009
The deployment of the Akh Unit to the UAE in 2011, strengthening defense cooperation
The establishment of the Special Strategic Partnership in 2018
Nearly two decades of collaboration in space science and technology
Recent projects, including the 2025 Etihad-SAT Radar Satellite developed with Korea’s Satrec Initiative, further demonstrate the depth of the relationship. Earlier joint satellite successes such as DubaiSat-1, DubaiSat-2, and the testing support for KhalifaSat in Korea highlight the long-term commitment to knowledge exchange and space innovation.
Strengthening a Permanent and Future-Ready Partnership
With a foundation built on trust, shared values, and mutual respect, the leaders agreed to elevate the UAE-Korea Special Strategic Partnership to a permanent, future-proof, and resilient level. Their vision is to build a relationship that continues to evolve constructively regardless of global challenges.
The joint declaration aligns closely with UAE Centennial 2071, the UAE’s long-term national vision. President Sheikh Mohamed emphasized that South Korea is a reliable and forward-looking partner capable of supporting the UAE’s journey toward becoming a leading global nation by 2071.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to creating long-term synergy in key fields and strengthening cooperation in areas that will shape the future.
Deepening Cooperation in Key Strategic Areas
The two leaders outlined detailed plans across several high-priority sectors:
1. Defense and Defense Technology
The countries will expand collaboration beyond arms sales into areas such as:
Joint development of defensive systems
Technology transfer
Local production
Knowledge-sharing and capacity-building programs
2. AI, Semiconductors, and Advanced Technology
Recognizing the growing importance of digital innovation, the UAE and Korea will explore:
Joint AI research and development
Hyperscale AI data centers
Digital twin–powered smart port projects
Joint investments and cooperative export strategies
Enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity and AI governance
An inter-ministerial dialogue will be established to strengthen coordination in semiconductor manufacturing, responsible AI regulation, and technological resilience.
3. Civil Nuclear Energy
The countries will work to:
Ensure the stable long-term operation of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant
Expand collaboration in nuclear fuel, digital transformation, and maintenance
Develop next-generation nuclear tech
Build a foundation for joint nuclear projects in third countries
Strengthen workforce development and safety regulations
4. Water Security
Recognizing the importance of water as a climate priority, the countries will cooperate ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal. They will explore new technologies and innovations, aligned with the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
5. Healthcare and Medical Innovation
With thousands of UAE patients traveling to Korea each year, the two nations will:
Establish a Pre-Post Care Center (PPCC) in the UAE
Discuss a K-Medical Comprehensive Cluster
Cooperate in pharmaceuticals, digital health devices, and regenerative medicine
Coordinate on regulatory frameworks for AI-enabled medical products
6. Education and Talent Development
The countries will expand:
Exchange programs
Internships
Joint training initiatives
Collaboration between universities and government entities
7. Culture and People-to-People Exchange
Both sides agreed to deepen cultural connections, especially as Korean culture continues to grow in popularity in the Middle East. Plans include:
Positioning the UAE as a regional center for K-Culture
Supporting tourism and creative industries
Increasing collaborative cultural events
Facilitating youth and talent exchanges
A potential flagship project, “UAE K-City,” was discussed—an integrated cultural and business hub featuring K-food, K-culture, innovation, and joint ventures, serving as a symbol of bilateral cooperation and potential expansion into third-country markets.
A Future of Shared Growth and Prosperity
To ensure seamless execution of all agreements, both nations will designate high-level officials, launch inter-ministerial consultations, and establish a joint high-level task force within both foreign ministries.
The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to maintain frequent communication, deepen dialogue, and meet regularly to oversee progress.
A Partnership Built for Generations
The joint declaration represents a powerful step toward a future where the UAE and the Republic of Korea stand side by side as trusted partners. Guided by shared values, innovation, and a vision for long-term peace and prosperity, both countries aim to create a legacy that benefits not only their people today but generations to come.
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