“On Dec. 2, our leaders agreed to unite the 7 Emirates”

By Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik with VCs Choe Nam-suk, Editor Joy Cho, Deputy Editors Park Jeong-Woo, Richard Park

Ambassador Abdulla Saif Alnuaimi of the United Arab Emirates in Seoul said, “On the 2nd of December in 1971, the leaders of the Emirates agreed to unite the independent seven Emirates into a single nation and we celebrate this special event today with the progress that the UAE has made over the past years.”

Ambassador Alnuaimi of the UAE made the impressive remarks at a gala reception he and Mrs. Aysha Jgakufa Aldahheri hosted at the plush Grand Ballroom of the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on the evening of Nov. 24, 2023.

In the opinion of VIP guests attending the reception, the occasion was among the largest and most prestigious National Day receptions of the nearly 150 different countries of the world represented in Korea by a resident embassy.

The attendees at the reception included Minister of Land, Infrastructure & Transport Won Hee-ryong representing President Yoon Suk-yeol of the Government of the Republic of Korea. Then there were many top-rate business organizations whence came the CEOs and their representatives. They included the representatives of most of the major Korean business companies and other public organizations.

Among the representatives who actually attended the reception were CEOs Kim Yong-gu of Dohwa Engineering, Woojin Han of First Abu Dhabi Bank, Hyun-ho Jung of Medytox, Seongheon Kim of AA Corporation, Eunkyung Kim of Muska, Bryan Min of RJM, and James Park of Diamond Shrimp.

From the mass communications media came the publishers and editors of many prominent media organizations and among them were Publisher-Chairman Lee Kyung-sik of The Korea Post media with ‘Star Writer’ Deputy Editor Park Jeong-woo helping Vice Chairpersons Joy Cho, Choe Nam-suk and President Kim Hyung-dae in their coverage activities.

The speech of Ambassador Alnuaimi that evening was accorded a very attentive listen by all the distinguished from within Korea and abroad, especially the ambassadors and other senior members of the embassies in Seoul as well as distinguished guests from all segments of Korean society.

To the attentively listening guests, Ambassador Almunaimi also said, “To continue the course of this progress, the UAE adopted ambitious strategies.”

He said:

“The UAE is actively working on adopting a knowledge-driven and diversified economy. In showing the country's commitment to sustainable practices, the UAE has announced 2023 as the ‘Year of Sustainability.’

“The UAE has also adopted effective policies to confront climate change, which is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.

“This challenge would shift to diversify the economy, focusing on the green economy, and to enhance energy efficiency, with various energy sources by focusing on clean, renewable energy, among others.”

(See further details of the speech of Ambassador Alnuaimi following the end of introduction of the reception.)

The impressive speech of Ambassador Alnuaimi of the UAE was well seconded to by an equally impressive one by the Korean government representative, Minister of Land, Infrastructure & Transport Won Hee-ryong who congratulated the UAE on behalf of President Yoon Suk-yeol of the Government of the Republic of Korea.

Minister Won began, “Korea and the UAE and other countries of the Arab World share a longstanding bond. Almost a thousand years ago, Arab merchants played a pivotal role in promoting 'Goryeo,' one of the old Korean Dynasties, to the world, thereby contributing to the recognition of Korea's English name.”

Won said:

“Korea and the UAE, in particular, have strengthened cooperation in various fields such as construction, infrastructure, energy, culture, and economy since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1980.

“Based on these solid foundations, President Yoon Suk Yeol paid a state visit to the UAE this January and reached an agreement with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to elevate the 'Special Strategic Partnership' between our two countries to the highest level.

(See further details of the speech of Minister Won toward the end of this report.)

The Korean government (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) have a very favorable view of the relations between the two countries. Here are some impressive remarks from the Korean Foreign Ministry:

“The United Arab Emirates is achieving remarkable growth, so the country is called a 'Miracle in the Desert,' by robustly creating open economic environment based on abundant resources such as oil and natural gas.”

Then cites the Korean Foreign Ministry, “The UAE has designed and presented a national strategy for the next 50 years in 2073, centered on national leadership with insight into the future. Accordingly, the various medium-and long-term tasks established are being put into practice one by one thanks to the patriotism and passionate efforts of its people.” (See further details at the end of this report.)

Speech of Ambassador Al Nuaimi of the UAE in Seoul:

Honorable Won Hee-ryong, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport,

Their Excellency fellow ambassadors and members of diplomatic corps,

Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen

Good evening to all of you!

We are here this evening to celebrate the 52nd UAE National Day, which marks the formation of the country's federation.

On the 2nd of December in 1971, the leaders of the Emirates agreed to unite the independent seven Emirates into a single nation.

We celebrate this special event today with the progress that UAE has made over the past years.

To continue the course of this progress, the UAE adopted ambitious strategies.

It is actively working on adopting a knowledge-driven and diversified economy.

Distinguished guests,

In showing the country's commitment to sustainable practices, the UAE has announced 2023 as the "Year of Sustainability".

It has also adopted effective policies to confront climate change, which is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.

This challenge would shift to diversify the economy, focusing on the green economy, and to enhance energy efficiency, with various energy sources by focusing on clean, renewable energy, among others.

As part of its efforts to confront these challenges facing our world today, the UAE will host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) starting next week.

The UAE views climate action as an opportunity to contribute to practical solutions to the problem of climate change, as the focus of the current session of this Conference is on achieving tangible achievements.

The UAE's efforts on climate and sustainability issues are not limited to the local level, but also include providing a helping hand to countries and communities facing challenges related to climate change.

In another context, the UAE aims at being among leading countries in the space science sector.

Hazza Al Mansouri was the first Emirati astronaut in space in 2019.

The UAE also successfully deployed its Hope Probe mission to Mars in 2021.

Last September, the UAE celebrated the return of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi to Earth, as the first Arab astronaut to stay for a long period on the International Space Station.

In 2024, the UAE is set to launch the "Mohammed bin Zayed SAT" satellite (MBZ-SAT), which is considered the largest and most advanced satellite.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The UAE has succeeded in showing its constant endeavor to support peaceful solution to international conflicts, through its UN Security Council membership for two years, which will continue until the end of this year.

At the same time, the UAE is expanding its global presence through its membership in more than 150 international organizations.

It also continues its balanced and responsible approach in supporting people affected by crises and disasters worldwide with no regard to their backgrounds.

Distinguished guests,

As the UAE ties with the Republic of Korea, the bilateral relations have witnessed significant progress over the past years.

The ties were eventually upgraded to “Special Strategic Partnership” in 2018 thanks to the resolve of the leaders of our two countries.

During the state visit of His Excellency President Yoon Suk Yeol to UAE in January this year, the leaders of the two countries agreed to elevate this Partnership to its highest level in order to cope with the expanded and diversified areas of cooperation.

In particular, an agreement was reached to strengthen strategic cooperation in a number of sectors including: conventional energy and clean energy; peaceful nuclear energy; economy and investment; and defense and defense technology.

During the visit, the UAE pledged to invest 30 billion dollars in Korean strategic sectors, in support of the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries, and building on its confidence in the strength of the Korean economy and its growth prospects.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Based on this Partnership, the bilateral exchanges between the two sides are expected to expand in the future.

Besides that, cooperation is expected to expand in culture and healthcare as well as in emerging future-oriented industries.

To close my speech, once more I express my gratitude to all of you for your participation in this special event.

Thank you! Kamsa-mida!

Speech of Minister Won Hee-ryong of Land, Infrastructure &Transportation:

I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations on the 52nd National Day of the UAE.

Korea and the Arab world share a longstanding bond. Almost a thousand years ago, Arab merchants played a pivotal role in promoting 'Goryeo,' one of the old Korean Dynasties, to the world, thereby contributing to the recognition of Korea's English name.

Korea and the UAE, in particular, have strengthened cooperation in various fields such as construction, infrastructure, energy, culture, and economy since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1980.

Based on these solid foundations, President Yoon Suk Yeol paid a state visit to the UAE this January and reached an agreement with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to elevate the 'Special Strategic Partnership' between our two countries to the highest level.

While accompanying President Yoon, I had the opportunity to engage with numerous Emirati ministers and sign MOUs for enhancing cooperation across the areas of smart infrastructure, plants, hydrogen cities, and future mobility.

Furthermore, in October of this year, Korea and the UAE concluded the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), setting the stage for increased bilateral trade and investment.

Honored guests, we are in a time of significant change. We should meet the demands of carbon neutrality, digital transformation, and the fourth industrial revolution to propel ourselves toward an advanced future society.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the national foundation in 2021, the UAE government launched the 'Projects of the 50,' aiming to advance digital technology, expand trade and investment, and attract top talent to prepare for the future.

The Korean government is also actively investing in smart cities and future mobility to generate new momentum for further growth.

I am confident that our two nations will pave the way for a more promising future through shared growth if the Korean government and companies will become the top partners for the Emirati Projects of the 50, which will benefit the nation's next generation.

Once again, I would like to offer the warmest congratulations.

Thank you all. Shukran

Korean Foreign Ministry account of bilateral ties, cooperation:

The United Arab Emirates is a federal state made up of seven emirates located in the south-eastern Arabian Peninsula. It consists of the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaima, and Fujairah. The United Arab Emirates is achieving remarkable growth, so that it is called a 'miracle in the desert', by robustly creating open economic environment based on abundant resources such as oil and natural gas.

The United Arab Emirates has designed and presented a national strategy for the next 50 years in 2073, centered on national leadership with insight into the future. Accordingly, the various medium-and long-term tasks established are being put into practice one by one thanks to the patriotism and passionate efforts of its people.

In particular, the United Arab Emirates is accelerating the construction of cutting-edge national security capabilities while pursuing a foreign policy that promotes strategic stability and peace in the country and in the region based on the philosophy of ‘tolerance and integration’ of its Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Although the United Arab Emirates is an oil-producing country, it is noteworthy that the country makes rapid and meaningful progress in various non-fossil-fuel fields such as new and renewable energy and utilities, advanced science and technology, and education, under the post-oil economic diversification strategy.

Since the Republic of Korea and the United Arab Emirates established diplomatic relations in 1980, the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Project in 2009 has created a true brotherly relationship, as the name of the Akh(brother) Unit shows. Subsequently, in 2018, the relationship between the two countries was upgraded to a special partnership, the first in the Middle East. Now the two countries are moving towards a ‘miracle of future co-prosperity’ by creating sustainable future growth engines in various fields such as politics, diplomacy, military, economy, society, culture, and the defense industry.

The United Arab Emirates, Korea’s brother country, has the largest Korean community in the Middle East and Africa and are engaged in various occupations and studies. Recently, the number of temporary residents and travelers of Korea is increasing in this country, after the two countries bailed out of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this way, all Koreans residing in or traveling to the United Arab Emirates form the basis of friendly cooperation between the two countries. Their thoughts and actions are the driving force to the endless development of the strong relationship.

As Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the United Arab Emirates, I and our embassy staff will devote ourselves to further deepening and developing our special strategic partnership demonstrating our passionate brotherhood. We will do our best to protect the safety and rights of our citizens living abroad, as well as to promote and support the activities of our students, businesspeople, and expatriates.