Kang says $35bn UAE defense pact confirmed

Feb 27, 2026, 07:29 am

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Kang Hoon-sik, President Lee Jae-myung’s special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, returns to Korea through Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 on Feb. 26 after visiting the United Arab Emirates. / Yonhap

South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have finalized defense cooperation projects worth $35 billion, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said Wednesday, marking a major step in a broader $65 billion bilateral partnership framework.

Kang, who visited the UAE as President Lee Jae-myung’s special envoy for strategic economic cooperation, returned to Korea earlier in the day after a three-day trip.

Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Kang said the two countries agreed to move forward with more than $65 billion in joint cooperation projects, including $35 billion in the defense sector.

The defense agreement goes beyond conventional arms exports and imports, establishing a full-cycle cooperation system covering joint design, production, training and maintenance. The two sides signed a “defense cooperation framework MOU” to formalize the principles of comprehensive collaboration.

Kang added that the remaining $30 billion in strategic investment cooperation would be detailed around a summit scheduled for May. “Both sides have already agreed on the investment scale, direction and timeline,” he said.

During his visit, Kang held three meetings with Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, to coordinate follow-up measures after President Lee’s state visit to the UAE in November and Al Mubarak’s trip to Seoul in January.

In addition to defense, the two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy based on the Barakah nuclear power plant project, including nuclear fuel supply, maintenance capabilities and AI-based operational technologies.

They also plan to adopt a joint roadmap for overseas market expansion in response to rising global electricity demand at their next summit.

Cooperation projects in culture, education, healthcare and the food industry were also confirmed, with working-level consultations set to accelerate. Al Mubarak is expected to visit Korea in March or April to review progress and continue discussions.

Kang also paid a courtesy call on Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, delivering a personal letter from President Lee and formally inviting him to visit Korea. The UAE leader expressed his intention to make a return visit at an early date.

#Kang Hoon-sik #Lee Jae-myung #United Arab Emirates #Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan #Khaldoon Al Mubarak