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President Lee Jae-myung speaks by phone with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan from his office at the presidential compound in Yongsan, Seoul, on July 1. / Courtesy of the Presidential Office

President Lee Jae-myung held separate phone calls on July 1 with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon of New Zealand, agreeing to strengthen strategic cooperation in cutting-edge sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense, nuclear energy, and space technology.

According to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung, the conversation with the UAE president was the first between the two leaders since President Lee’s inauguration. They agreed to deepen bilateral ties in a more strategic and future-oriented direction.

“I hope the launch of our new administration will further strengthen the special strategic partnership between Korea and the UAE,” President Lee said. Both leaders expressed intent to meet in person on the sidelines of future multilateral events such as the APEC summit to discuss concrete areas of collaboration.

In a separate call with New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon, President Lee expressed appreciation for New Zealand’s early support during the Korean War, even before the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1962.

“New Zealand is a valued friend that fought alongside us in the Korean War. I look forward to deeper cooperation in all areas, including the economy, defense and arms industry, science and technology, and space,” Lee said.

Prime Minister Luxon noted the rising popularity of Korean culture in New Zealand and expressed interest in expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

The two leaders also agreed on the need to elevate bilateral ties to a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and to enhance communication going forward.

Additionally, both pledged close cooperation as founding members of APEC to ensure the success of the 2025 APEC summit, which will be held this October in Gyeongju, South Korea. They agreed to meet in person at an appropriate opportunity to discuss more concrete plans for strengthening bilateral ties.