President Lee Jae-myung attends Korea-UAE Business Roundtable (Abu Dhabi = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Do-hun: President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), applauds during the Korea-UAE Business Roundtable held at a hotel in Abu Dhabi on the 19th (local time).
From left: Minister of Investment Al Swaidi, President Lee Jae-myung, Crown Prince Khalid, CEO of Mubadala Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, and Industry Minister Kim Jeong-gwan. November 19, 2025, superdoo82@yna.co.kr
During his state visit to the UAE, President Lee Jae-myung stated, “Let’s intensify cooperation in clean energy and defense to secure a momentum for Korea and the UAE to grow together into the world’s strongest nations.”
President Lee made these remarks during his keynote speech at the ‘Korea-UAE Business Roundtable’ event held at a hotel in Abu Dhabi on the 19th local time.
He noted, “The Burj Khalifa, a landmark in Dubai, reflects the sweat and passion of Korean companies, and the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, a symbol of bilateral cooperation, is operating smoothly,” adding, “Defense cooperation has also achieved remarkable results, from the Akh Unit to the Cheongung-II.”
Furthermore, he expressed confidence that “the UAE will leap to the highest level of the world by 2071, its 100th anniversary of foundation, and the leaders of our countries agree that the optimal partner for this is Korea,” proposing several directions for the partnership to further advance.
President Lee first addressed the energy sector, evaluating that “energy transition cooperation combining UAE’s solar power with Korea’s advanced battery technology will greatly contribute to achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality goal and fostering eco-friendly new industries.”
He also mentioned the potential of contributing to the nuclear industry of the UAE through the construction of local plants related to nuclear fuel and electricity, expressing his hopes for mutually beneficial cooperation.
In the defense sector, he stressed the need to “enhance the level of cooperation through joint development and local production, and enter third-country markets together,” hoping for the expansion of bilateral cooperation on a global scale.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of creating future growth engines through advanced industry cooperation centered on artificial intelligence, noting that upgrading the strategic partnership to accelerate such advanced industry cooperation, including AI data centers and biotech, is a key outcome of his visit.
President Lee stated, “Korea will be the most reliable partner for the UAE as it aims to emerge as an AI hub by 2031.”
He also emphasized the need to expand soft power cooperation by further connecting people and cultures.
President Lee introduced to business leaders, “A few days ago, the K-Expo in Dubai held exhibitions on K-food, beauty, and content successfully.”
He also noted, “With the recent initial export of Korean beef to the UAE, new cooperation possibilities in the Halal market are emerging,” expressing his hope for strengthened cooperation with the UAE, a cultural powerhouse in the Middle East, to propel the spread of K-culture across the region.
#PresidentLee #UAE #Business
For inquiries and reports on Yonhap News TV, contact via KakaoTalk/Line: jebo23