President Lee Jae-myung, on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), emphasized expanding cooperation into advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), in addition to the existing priority areas of the defense industry and nuclear power.
In an interview published on the 18th with the UAE outlet Aletihad, Lee said, "During this visit, President Mohamed bin Zayed of the UAE and I agreed to expand cooperation beyond the existing four core areas—investment, defense and defense industry, nuclear power, and energy—into future-oriented fields such as advanced technologies including AI, healthcare, and culture," adding, "This will lay the groundwork for 'a new leap for a century-long partnership' between the two countries."
Lee noted that the UAE has set a strategic goal to become a global AI hub under its "AI National Strategy 2031," and stressed that Korea could play an important role. Lee said, "Korea is a key country in the memory segment of the semiconductor supply chain and a strategic partner that can reliably provide the advanced memory for AI that the UAE needs."
He added, "From materials, parts, and equipment to research and development (R&D), we have strengths across the entire semiconductor value chain, and we have the capacity to meet the needs required for the UAE to build a semiconductor ecosystem and strengthen its competitiveness in advanced industries."
Lee mentioned the semiconductor Start - Up Rebellions and FuriosaAI, saying, "Korea's innovative AI startups have strong potential as alternative suppliers, and I hope these capabilities will generate synergy when combined with the UAE's future strategy."
He added that "we will actively identify specific cooperative projects in AI and advanced technologies, including building AI data centers."
He also pointed to nuclear power generation as another area of cooperation. Lee said, "The Barakah nuclear power plant supplies 25% of the UAE's electricity demand, which will serve as an important foundation to drive the UAE's new growth engines such as artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing," adding, "Based on the successful construction and operation of the Barakah plant, the two countries will open a new chapter of cooperation in the energy sector going forward."
Lee also explained, "Korea is laying the groundwork for cooperation with the UAE in next-generation nuclear technologies, including the Small Modular Reactor (SMR), and is preparing to enter third-country nuclear markets together."
He expected stronger cooperation not only in nuclear power but also in the renewable energy industry. Lee said, "Cooperation on energy transition based on renewables and on energy storage systems (ESS), combining the UAE's abundant solar power potential with Korea's world-class advanced battery technology, will play an important role in enabling the two countries to lead new eco-friendly industries."
He added, "As the UAE leads the Middle East's renewable energy transition through its 'Energy Strategy 2050,' and Korea pushes carbon neutrality and green industry development through its 'renewable energy-centered grand energy transition,' I expect the two countries' renewable energy cooperation to expand further on the strength of both governments' strong visions and policies."
He also expected expanded cooperation in the space industry. Lee said, "The UAE is an emerging space power in the Middle East that combines capital and technological capabilities, and it developed the Mars probe Hope Probe and is carrying out its mission successfully," adding, "I expect progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation, including joint satellite development and utilization, building ground infrastructure such as launch sites and satellite navigation ground stations, and space exploration extending to the moon and Mars."
He emphasized strengthening cultural exchanges as well. Lee said, "The Korean government will continue to review measures to make it more convenient for UAE nationals to visit Korea," adding, "By 2030, we will establish a Korea Center in the UAE and develop it into a central facility for cultural exchanges and trade between the two countries."