Lee calls for visible results in Korea-UAE partnership

Jan 16, 2026, 07:53 am

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President Lee Jae-myung meets Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, at the presidential office in Seoul on Jan. 15. / Yonhap

President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday urged South Korea and the United Arab Emirates to produce “concrete and visible results” from their expanding partnership, as he met a senior aide to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Lee received Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, at the presidential office. The visit followed Lee’s state trip to the UAE in November, after which Seoul said prospects had risen for exports totaling about $35 billion, including $15 billion in defense and $20 billion in artificial intelligence.

“South Korea and the UAE agreed to walk together for 100 years,” Lee said, using a Korean expression meaning a lifelong partnership. “I hope we carefully review what can be done in practical terms and deliver concrete, visible outcomes.”

Addressing Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik, Lee noted that Kang is overseeing joint projects with the UAE and asked that talks be accelerated to translate preparations into results.

Lee also expressed hope that President Mohammed bin Zayed would visit South Korea in the near future for more detailed discussions, adding that Seoul would prepare thoroughly to ensure substantive achievements during the visit.

Al Mubarak conveyed warm greetings from the UAE president and recalled Lee’s state visit fondly. He said close coordination with Kang would continue to produce results quickly, noting that President Mohammed bin Zayed has emphasized the importance of achieving as many tangible outcomes as possible in a short time.

He added that the UAE president, who regards South Korea as a “second home,” appreciates the invitation to visit and will work to adjust his schedule once Seoul proposes dates, aiming to secure meaningful results from the trip.

#South Korea #UAE #Lee Jae-myung #Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan #Khaldoon Khalifa