President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the 17th (local time) paid his respects in succession by visiting Wahat Al Karama, the UAE's equivalent of a national cemetery, and the mausoleum honoring the founding president.
According to the presidential office on the 17th, President Lee visited Wahat Al Karama, which honors the UAE's fallen and war veterans, immediately after arriving at Abu Dhabi Airport that day. Lee took time to pay tribute to the spirits of those who sacrificed for the UAE. In the guest book, he wrote, "Together with the people of the Republic of Korea, we pay our respects to your noble sacrifice."
Lee then headed to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which houses the mausoleum of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding president. The founding president Zayed led the creation of the UAE federation in 1971 and ruled the UAE until his death in 2004, and is revered locally as the "father of the nation." In the guest book, Lee wrote, "Remembering President Zayed, we will move forward vigorously toward a future of shared prosperity for both countries."
After completing the two events, Lee said on the social media platform X, "From the national cemetery (Wahat Al Karama) to the grand mosque, it was a time when I deeply realized where the UAE's strength, which built prosperity on a barren desert, comes from," adding, "The noble dedication to the nation, and the spirit of peace, tolerance, and coexistence left by former President Sheikh Zayed at the grand mosque, are the driving forces that made today's UAE."
He added, "On the foundation of long friendship and trust, I hope the Republic of Korea and the UAE can continue to walk together, unwavering, toward stronger peace and greater prosperity."
Meanwhile, after attending a dinner meeting with Korean residents on site, Lee is scheduled to hold a summit the next day with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.