Abu dhabi: President Lee Jae Myung held summit talks with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, focusing on enhancing economic cooperation in defense, advanced technology, and energy sectors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee referred to the UAE as a "brotherly nation" and expressed a commitment to align with the UAE's long-term development plan, the UAE Centennial Plan 2071. He emphasized South Korea's readiness for comprehensive collaboration, highlighting key areas such as security, the defense industry, artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and healthcare.

Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed Lee's choice of the UAE as his inaugural Middle Eastern visit since assuming office in June. He highlighted the Barakah nuclear power plant as a symbol of bilateral cooperation and expressed hopes to expand into science and technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and aerospace. He also mentioned the Akh Unit, a South Korean military contingent in the UAE, as a point of further collaboration.

In a written interview with UAE newspaper Aletihad, Lee stated his ambition to lay the groundwork for a "new centennial phase" in bilateral relations, expanding beyond traditional sectors into future-oriented fields. By choosing the UAE as the first stop in his Middle East tour, Lee aimed to demonstrate his administration's dedication to deepening ties.

As the only Middle Eastern nation with which South Korea has a special strategic partnership, the UAE extended a warm welcome to Lee. Four UAE Air Force fighter jets escorted his aircraft upon entering UAE airspace, and major buildings in the capital were adorned with the South Korean flag to mark his state visit.