UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Tuesday witnessed the exchange of several memorandums of understanding and agreements aimed at strengthening the countries’ special strategic partnership. The exchange took place during the South Korean leader’s state visit to the emirate as part of the official ceremony at Qasr Al Watan.
The strategic framework program for cooperation in artificial intelligence opened the list of documents. The exchange was carried out by Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, and Baek Kyung-hoon, South Korea’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Science and ICT. A second memorandum on AI cooperation was signed immediately afterward, underscoring the sector’s priority for both nations.
The UAE Space Agency and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute agreed on a cooperation project. The document was exchanged by Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, and Baek Kyung-hoon. A memorandum on comprehensive cooperation in biomedicine was signed by Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Oh Yoo-kyung, South Korea’s Minister of Food and Drug Safety.
Complete list of agreements spans five core sectors
A memorandum on operating the UAE–Korea Economic Committee was exchanged by Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri and Kim Jung-kwan, South Korea’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy. An agreement on intellectual property cooperation was signed by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and Kim Young-soon, South Korea’s Minister of Intellectual Property.
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A partnership to advance nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and cooperation in global markets concluded the set of documents. This agreement was exchanged by Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, and Kim Dong-chul, President of KEPCO – a critical point given South Korea’s long-standing expertise in nuclear plant construction and operations.
The agreements were signed following presidential talks on enhancing cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership. The leaders explored opportunities to expand collaboration in the economy, trade, investment, and renewable energy, and discussed technology, AI, sustainability, education, and culture within the development priorities of both countries.
The UAE President welcomed his South Korean counterpart, expressing confidence that the visit will deepen relations and further the shared vision of sustainable growth. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and international developments, stressing the importance of supporting peace and stability efforts in the Middle East.
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Sheikh Mohamed stated that the UAE and South Korea share a strategic relationship based on trust, mutual respect and a joint commitment to development. He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening trade and economic ties and investing in a future-oriented partnership with Korea.
He highlighted the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2024 as a milestone marking a new phase of economic cooperation and joint growth. For observers following UAE property price news today, deeper economic ties with technologically advanced countries signal more substantial long-term investment flows across sectors, indirectly supporting demand for commercial and residential properties through job creation and business expansion.
President Lee spoke of the strong ties between the nations and their commitment to progress in technology, AI, energy and culture:
- South Korea contributes expertise in semiconductors and electronics
- The UAE offers capital and a rapidly growing market
- The emirate’s geographic position makes it a gateway to the Middle East and Africa
- Both countries represent successful development models
- Relations continue to grow in ways that serve both nations
He signed the VIP guest book, expressing his pleasure at visiting the UAE and emphasising the close strategic relationship. President Lee thanked Sheikh Mohamed for the warm welcome extended to his delegation since arrival. On the occasion, Sheikh Mohamed hosted a luncheon in honour of the South Korean President.
The practical impact of the agreements will become visible in the coming months as implementation begins. Cooperation in nuclear energy could reduce reliance on hydrocarbon-based electricity generation, which in the long term may influence the electricity cost residential Dubai per kwh through a more diversified energy mix and a higher share of stable low-carbon sources.
