President Lee Jae Myung is scheduled to engage in summit discussions with United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The talks are anticipated to center on collaborative efforts within the defense industry, cutting-edge technologies, and the energy sector.
Lee arrived in Abu Dhabi for a three-day state visit, which is the initial destination of his first Middle East journey since assuming office in June. The primary objective of this visit is to enhance economic ties with the UAE.
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During their summit, the two leaders are slated to witness the endorsement of multiple memorandums of understanding. These agreements are expected to facilitate joint ventures in areas such as the defense industry, artificial intelligence, energy, cultural exchanges, and other fields.
The UAE stands as the sole Middle Eastern country with which Korea has forged a special strategic partnership.
In a gathering with Korean expatriates, Lee conveyed his aspirations for augmented economic collaboration with the UAE, suggesting that the nation could function as a crucial "base camp" for Korea's endeavors to broaden and reinforce its economic presence in the Middle East.
This visit signifies the inaugural segment of Lee's tour encompassing four nations in the Middle East and Africa. Subsequently, he is scheduled to proceed to South Africa for the Group of 20 summit, followed by visits to Egypt and Turkey.
Following his visit to the UAE, Lee will officially travel to Egypt from Wednesday to Friday to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Subsequently, he will participate in the G20 summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, from Friday to Sunday, and will conclude his tour with a state visit to Turkey from November 24 to 25.
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The 2025 G20 summit marks the inaugural event on the African continent and will focus on the themes of "solidarity, equality, and sustainability."
This four-nation tour exemplifies Korea's strategy to diversify its pragmatic diplomacy and enhance engagement with the Global South in light of increasing protectionist tendencies in global trade.
During the G20 summit, Lee is expected to reaffirm Korea's dedication to solidarity with Africa and its support for the continent's development. He also intends to coordinate joint messages with fellow Mikta members — Mexico, Indonesia, Korea, Turkey, and Australia — thereby elevating Korea's profile on the international stage.
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In Egypt and Turkey, both significant partners in the Middle East, discussions will center on fortifying defense relations and increasing arms exports. Notably, Lee is expected to deliver a speech at Cairo University on Thursday, where he will outline his administration's Middle East strategy for the first time.