UAE, South Korean President Discuss Bilateral Ties, Cooperation

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul on Wednesday (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul on Wednesday (WAM)
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UAE, South Korean President Discuss Bilateral Ties, Cooperation

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul on Wednesday (WAM)
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, in Seoul on Wednesday (WAM)

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk Yeol, discussed in Seoul on Wednesday the means to explore opportunities to build upon the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries and expand bilateral cooperation across various fields.
The discussions also highlighted the latest regional and international developments of interest for both.
The Emirati President is on a two-day official state visit to South Korea as part of an Asian tour that also includes China.
The Korean President stressed that the visit of his Emirati counterpart will contribute to strengthening the UAE-Korean relations in all aspects, serving the vision of the two countries and their direction towards achieving sustainable prosperity for their peoples.
The leaders reviewed existing and potential cooperation in economy, investment, conventional and clean energy, peaceful nuclear energy, and defense technology. They also explored opportunities in science, technology, sustainability, and culture.
Both sides then exchanged views on regional and international issues, emphasizing the importance of supporting efforts to promote peace, stability, and development in the Middle East.
They stressed the need for global cooperation to build bridges of communication and collaboration for inclusive development.
Sheikh Mohammed stated that the UAE and South Korea enjoy deep strategic relations based on common interests, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to global peace and prosperity, according to the Emirati news agency, WAM.
He also noted that since 2009, the two countries have successfully partnered on one of the UAE’s most significant strategic development projects, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.
The Republic of Korea is also one of the UAE’s most significant trading partners both regionally and globally, the Emirati President said.
The leaders then witnessed the signing of a landmark Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and South Korea, paving the way for a new chapter of economic cooperation and mutual growth.
The two sides also signed a framework agreement on climate change cooperation between their governments.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.