UAE Korean Community Dinner and Discussion
“Both countries are caught between powerful nations
Sharing a remarkable economic growth”
President Lee Jae-myung attended a Korean community dinner event in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on the 17th, where he remarked, “Our country also needs to reach out to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and the UAE can serve as a base camp in the Middle East.”
During his state visit to the UAE, President Lee held a dinner discussion with the Korean community at a hotel in Abu Dhabi city, stating, “Both countries will join hands to surely open a new path towards common prosperity.”
President Lee emphasized that “the two nations should develop into an economic community, engaging in research, production, and progressing together into the Third World.”
He also commented, “UAE and South Korea have a lot in common. Not only do both countries play a geopolitical bridge role, but they could also be seen as small nations caught between powerful neighbors with seemingly limited resources.”
Furthermore, President Lee highlighted the impressive growth both countries have achieved as another commonality.
President Lee stated, “South Korea is the only country that has achieved industrialization after being liberated from colonial rule, becoming a democratic nation. This is extraordinary growth that will be recorded in human history.”
Regarding the UAE, he said, “It is truly a great country. While selling oil akin to gold could easily accumulate wealth, the country chooses to invest in renewable energy, nuclear power, and advanced science and technology.”
He added, “When entering the country, I heard the UAE fighter jets escorting Air Force One, but it was hard to see due to the wings blocking the view. Instead, looking down, I saw vast solar panel fields spread across the desert. This is akin to barren land turning into fertile soil, opening a new world.”
President Lee shared his thoughts with the overseas community about the December 3 Military Emergency situation. He remarked, “About a year ago, the world was surprised, asking ‘What’s happening in that country?’ ‘It must be North (Korea), could it happen in the South?’ Then the narrative shifted to us overcoming it beautifully with the support from the public, restoring things peacefully without wielding guns or resorting to violence. This is the strength of South Korea.”
He assured the diaspora, “In the future, you’ll feel proud to be a Korean citizen, and South Korea will be your strong supporter.”
Korean Association President in the UAE, Jang Kwang-deok, who attended the meeting, stated, “Whenever I hear ‘I trust you because you’re Korean’ from local people, I feel proud,” pledging to do his best as a civil diplomat for the prosperity of both nations.
Yoon-jin Lee, Principal of the Dubai Korean School, expressed her determination, saying, “Despite challenging circumstances, we will preserve education on our Korean roots and be a small light conveying the dignity of Korea to the world.”