President Lee Jae Myung visited Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to strengthen ties between South Korea and the United Arab Emirates. In a written interview with the UAE’s Aletihad newspaper, Lee said the state visit could start a “new centennial phase” for bilateral relations, pushing cooperation into future‑oriented areas beyond trade, defense and nuclear power.
Lee highlighted Korea’s leadership in the global chip market. “Memory chips are key to AI,” he said. “Korean makers can supply the advanced AI‑memory chips the UAE needs. Our companies will help build the UAE’s AI semiconductor ecosystem.” He also pointed to Korean startups like Rebellions and FuriosaAI, which could diversify the UAE’s supply base and fit the country’s future strategy.
Energy collaboration is a top priority. Lee praised the Barakah nuclear plant, built by Korea’s state‑run Korea Electric Power Corp. The plant now powers a quarter of the UAE’s electricity. “Building on Barakah’s success, we can open a new chapter in energy cooperation,” Lee said. He suggested expanding into renewables and small modular reactors, and partnering on projects abroad to meet the growing power demand from AI and advanced industries.
The president also spoke about blending the UAE’s abundant solar power with Korea’s world‑class battery and energy‑storage tech. “Together, we can lead eco‑friendly industries,” Lee added.
On the cultural front, Lee said the Korean government will look at easing travel rules for UAE citizens and plans to open a Korean Cultural Center in the UAE by 2030 to boost people‑to‑people ties.
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