Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed their special strategic partnership at APEC 2025 summit in Gyeongju. The countries have engaged in discussions, expanding into defense cooperation and advanced technology fields, including AI, according to the Presidential Office. This meeting signals how diplomatic ties are increasingly intertwined with innovation priorities, positioning both countries to play a growing role in shaping emerging technology standards and cross-regional investment flows between Asia and the Middle East.
Korea and UAE Deepen Strategic Partnership at APEC 2025
During the APEC Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Gyeongju, President Lee Jae-myung and Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohammed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Korea – UAE special strategic partnership, expanding collaboration into defense, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence.
The meeting highlighted how the two nations are aligning technological and economic priorities amid a shifting global landscape defined by AI innovation, supply chain security, and regional diversification.
A High-Level Dialogue in Gyeongju
The bilateral meeting was held on October 31 at the Hwabaek International Convention Center (HICO), where President Lee welcomed the Crown Prince, who attended the summit as a special invited guest nation alongside the IMF.
President Lee emphasized the historical significance of Gyeongju as “a city that engaged with Islamic civilization a thousand years ago,” noting that “the UAE remains the only Middle Eastern country maintaining a special strategic partnership with the Republic of Korea.”He described the UAE as “a strong and traditional ally,” expressing hope that this visit would mark a new stage of bilateral cooperation.
Crown Prince Khaled congratulated Korea on hosting a successful APEC summit and extended an official invitation for President Lee to visit the UAE in November, stating that Korea–UAE relations are “special and deeply rooted in trust.”
Expanding Cooperation: Defense, AI, and Cultural Exchange
Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, arms industries, energy, investment, and AI, extending the partnership beyond traditional security and industrial ties.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong, the leaders shared the view that the relationship, built on mutual trust, must “expand into more strategic and future-oriented domains.”
President Lee noted that the UAE’s tourism and cultural infrastructure could help expand the reach of K-culture across the Middle East, while Crown Prince Khaled expressed admiration for Korea’s soft power and cultural influence.
The meeting reaffirmed the UAE’s position as one of Korea’s most important partners in the Middle East, particularly in innovation-driven sectors such as clean energy, smart manufacturing, and advanced technologies — areas where both nations have been seeking to expand global leadership.
Shared Commitment to Strategic Growth
President Lee Jae-myung stated:
“The UAE is the only country in the Middle East maintaining a special strategic partnership with Korea and remains one of our strongest traditional allies. I hope this visit will deepen the relationship and strengthen cooperation across emerging technologies.”
Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohammed Al Nahyan responded:
“Our relationship with Korea is very special and significant across many areas, built on trust. We look forward to welcoming President Lee to the UAE in November and continuing to advance our cooperation in diverse sectors.”
Korea – UAE APEC 2025 Meeting: Technology, Security, and Global Positioning
The meeting between Korea and the UAE at APEC 2025 reflects a broader realignment of international tech diplomacy. Korea, already positioning itself as a venture capital and innovation hub in the Asia-Pacific, is leveraging such partnerships to extend its global influence across AI research, defense technology, and sustainable infrastructure.
Meanwhile, for the UAE, which has invested heavily in digital transformation and sovereign tech capabilities, closer ties with Korea strengthen its long-term innovation diversification strategy, reducing reliance on energy-driven growth. This cooperation also mirrors global trends where defense modernization and AI convergence are reshaping national competitiveness and geopolitical partnerships.
The partnership aligns with the two countries’ broader economic cooperation frameworks and their expanding cooperation under government-led innovation diplomacy frameworks. It also creates new opportunities for Korean startups, investors, and defense technology SMEs exploring cross-border market entry in the Middle East.
A New Chapter Between South Korea and UAE in Tech Diplomacy
The Korea – UAE meeting at APEC 2025 underscored how bilateral cooperation is evolving beyond traditional diplomacy into strategic technology and innovation alignment.
As both nations prepare for President Lee’s upcoming visit to the UAE, their partnership now stands as a model for how AI, defense innovation, and cultural exchange can define a new frontier of collaboration across Asia and the Middle East.
And eventually, it could open new gateways for cross-border investment, technology transfer, and government-backed partnerships —reinforcing the nation’s growing role in shaping the next decade of global tech diplomacy.
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