Overview
- President Lee Jae Myung and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed held their first bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju.
- Both sides agreed to broaden cooperation in advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, and to extend collaboration into cultural exchanges beyond traditional defense and energy ties.
- Sheikh Khaled invited President Lee to visit the United Arab Emirates in November, which would be Lee’s first trip to the country since taking office.
- Lee described the UAE as South Korea’s only Middle Eastern partner with a special strategic partnership, while the crown prince praised Korea’s cultural influence and creativity.
- No binding agreements were announced, with follow-up visits and negotiations expected as Sheikh Khaled leads the UAE delegation as a guest of honour at APEC on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed.