Abu dhabi: The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea continue to deepen their strategic partnership, marked by the upcoming state visit of President Lee Jae-myung to the UAE. This visit, beginning on Monday, is a significant event in the nearly 45-year-long history of bilateral relations between the two nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the UAE is among the first Middle Eastern countries to establish a special strategic partnership with South Korea. This partnership encompasses various fields such as politics, the economy, nuclear cooperation, climate change, cybersecurity, food security, defense, healthcare, culture, government administration, and space. Regular dialogue and official visits further solidify the relationship.
Economic ties between the UAE and South Korea are robust, with non-oil trade reaching $6.6 billion in 2024, reflecting steady growth over previous years. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aims to enhance this relationship by eliminating customs duties and trade barriers in key sectors, fostering increased trade and investment opportunities.
A notable example of cooperation is the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first Korean-led nuclear power project abroad. The UAE's commitment to investing $30 billion in Korea's strategic sectors further highlights the strong economic bond. Additionally, both countries are expanding their tourism and aviation collaboration, with over 200,000 Korean tourists visiting the UAE annually.
Cultural and scientific exchanges are also integral to the partnership. Initiatives like the Korean Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi and the UAE-Korea Cultural Dialogue program reflect mutual efforts to strengthen ties. Educational collaborations, such as branches of the King Sejong Institute in the UAE, demonstrate a growing interest in Korean culture and language.
In healthcare, the two nations have forged agreements to exchange medical expertise and enhance healthcare services. The construction of the Asan-UAE Digestive Diseases Hospital in Dubai, a project by UAE's Scope Investment, underscores the collaboration in medical advancements and academic opportunities.
Overall, the UAE and South Korea exemplify a successful model of international cooperation, continually working to enhance their strategic partnership across multiple domains.
