President Lee Jae-myung and United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a summit in Abu Dhabi on the 18th local time and adopted a joint declaration titled "A new leap for 100 years of companionship between Korea and the UAE." In addition to defense industry and nuclear power, where they have cooperated so far, they also agreed to push for the establishment of a "K-medical complex cluster" for joint research and development (R&D) and investment in pharmaceuticals, digital healthcare, and medical devices. The two countries, which have maintained a "special strategic partnership" since 2018, agreed to strengthen their role as "core allies."
In the declaration released that day, the two leaders said, "The relationship between the two countries has deepened and advanced dramatically with the awarding of the Barakah nuclear power plant construction project to Korean corporations in 2009 and the deployment of the Ak Unit to the UAE since 2011," and specified that they "agreed to deepen and advance the Korea-UAE 'special strategic partnership' to a permanent and irreversible level, based on firm trust, mutual respect, and solidarity."
On space, they noted that "recent projects such as the EtihadSat radar satellite developed in cooperation with Korea's Satrec Initiative in 2025 are representative cooperation programs," adding that "the achievements of DubaiSat-1 and -2 in the past well demonstrate the depth of joint satellite development and sustainable knowledge exchange." They also confirmed that "Korea is the reliable and future-oriented partner" for implementing the long-term vision "UAE Centennial 2071," which the UAE is pursuing for the 100th anniversary of its founding in 2071, and said, "Let's develop all-around synergies for a century-long companionship."
In health care in particular, the two countries agreed to discuss the establishment of a Pre-Post Care Center (PPCC) to provide on-site services for UAE government-funded patients within the UAE, and to discuss setting up a tentatively named K-medical complex cluster for joint research and development and investment in pharmaceuticals, digital medical devices, and regenerative medicine. Working-level officials of both sides plan to hold detailed discussions going forward.
They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors, the civilian nuclear sector, solving water issues for sustainable development, educational programs such as reciprocal visits and training, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. To that end, they will create channels for exchanges among senior officials of the relevant ministries and identify specific cooperation projects. Specifically, they will designate dedicated personnel and report discussions and cooperation outcomes to the two leaders as needed. To implement the summit agreements, a "high-level task force (TF)" will also be established within the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries.
To promote joint growth and prosperity, the two countries specified in the joint statement that they would establish a joint research and development (R&D) platform, expand technology, human exchange, and knowledge transfer, build stable supply chains for key raw materials and components, build stable core resource supply chains, and develop cooperative models for joint production and joint entry into third countries, and said they would "establish mechanisms for practical, sustainable, and mutually beneficial cooperation."
◇ First lady Kim sheds tears at Seonhwa Arts High School senior Jo Sumi's "Longing for Geumgangsan"
Meanwhile, the two countries held a cultural exchange event, "Culture, connecting the UAE and Korea," at the UAE presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, that day. The event was attended by President Lee and the first lady, President Mohamed, key UAE figures and business leaders, local cultural and artistic figures, and about 300 Hallyu fans. Korean artists included soprano Jo Sumi; pianist Park Sang-uk of the duo ShinPark Duo; the Court Music Orchestra of the National Gugak Center; gayageum player Seo Jeong-min; and classical guitarist Jang Ha-eun, who performed.
Taking the stage, Jo sang the art song "Longing for Geumgangsan," which captures the pain of division, along with "AriArirang" and "Ode to Joy," accompanied by pianist Park Sang-uk. First lady Kim Hea-kyung, dressed in hanbok, burst into tears as the piece reached its climax. As Kim repeatedly wiped away tears with her hand, a UAE official seated next to her handed her a tissue, a scene captured by the broadcast cameras. Kim and Jo, who are senior and junior from Seonhwa Arts High School, hugged after the performance to express their delight at meeting.