President Lee Jae Myung began a 10-day overseas trip on Monday to strengthen strategic global ties with key Middle Eastern and African partners. He aims to expand cooperation in advanced technology, defense industries, and cultural sectors, underscoring how strategic global ties guide his broader foreign policy agenda.
Lee arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday and immediately visited the Wahat Al Karama war memorial. He then honored the legacy of the UAE’s first president at his tomb near the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
On Tuesday, Lee will meet UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for high-level talks. The leaders plan to sign multiple cooperation documents and attend a state luncheon together.
Business engagement will anchor Wednesday’s schedule as Lee joins a major roundtable with corporate leaders. Participants include Samsung Electronics Executive Chair Lee Jae-yong and Hanwha Vice Chair Kim Dong-kwan, who both seek deeper ties with UAE partners.
Later that day, Lee will meet South Korean troops stationed with the Akh Unit in the UAE. He will then depart for Cairo to begin the African portion of his trip.
South Korea and the UAE maintain a special strategic partnership established in 2018. Their 45-year relationship now spans energy, defense, and fast-growing sectors like artificial intelligence.
Lee recently hosted UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during regional economic meetings. They discussed expanding cooperation across defense, energy, AI, and cultural industries. The crown prince personally invited Lee to visit soon after their discussion.
Lee’s chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, said he delivered a letter to the UAE president ahead of the trip. He emphasized the administration’s hope to secure “tangible outcomes” in technology, defense, and logistics. He also highlighted opportunities in cultural exchange and halal food markets.
Kang met senior UAE officials, including Executive Affairs Authority Chair Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak and Industry Minister Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.
Lee follows former President Yoon Suk Yeol as the second Korean leader to make a state visit to the UAE. Yoon’s 2023 visit secured a $30 billion investment pledge for Korean defense and energy industries. The UAE later deepened its cooperation by supporting purchases of Korean defense equipment.
Lee will conclude his trip by joining the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. He already attended major global gatherings this year, signaling his commitment to broad and strategic global ties across key regions. Before returning home on November 26, Lee will also visit Egypt, South Africa, and Turkey.
