S.Korea and UAE adopt “centennial partnership” joint declaration
Expanded nuclear cooperation based on Barakah model; AI, defense, healthcare, and culture to see comprehensive collaboration
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a summit in Abu Dhabi on November 18 (local time) and adopted a joint declaration titled “A New Leap Forward for 100 Years of Korea–UAE Partnership.”
The two leaders assessed that the construction of the Barakah nuclear power plant and the deployment of Korea’s Akh Unit have laid a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation. They also reaffirmed the meaningful achievements made in space industry collaboration, agreeing to elevate the special strategic partnership to an irreversible level based on mutual trust and solidarity.
The declaration outlines concrete directions for cooperation across major industries. In the nuclear sector, the two countries designated the Korean-built Barakah plant as the “Barakah Model,” agreeing to expand it into a model for joint global market entry. Under the Comprehensive Strategic Energy Partnership, the two sides will also advance AI-based enhancements to nuclear power efficiency and strengthen professional workforce training.
In the AI sector, Korea and the UAE discussed plans to jointly establish and operate AI data centers, as well as cooperation on a “Global AI Smart Port Project.”
Defense and defense industry cooperation will also move beyond simple weapons purchases, aiming for joint development and local production to raise the level of strategic collaboration.
In healthcare, the two countries agreed to pursue joint research and investment in pharmaceuticals, digital medical devices, and regenerative medicine, including discussions on establishing a “K-Medical Cluster” in the UAE.
They will also expand next-generation exchanges, such as youth internship programs, and strengthen people-to-people ties by developing the UAE as a hub for Korean culture and tourism. The declaration includes plans to create “K City” in the UAE—an integrated complex showcasing K-culture, K-food, and other Korean cultural industries.
The two leaders also agreed to use next year’s UN Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as an opportunity to deepen water-technology cooperation. They reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration under the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
To ensure systematic implementation of joint projects, the two countries will institutionalize regular high-level communication and jointly explore new projects. Korea will also establish a dedicated task force (TF) within its foreign ministry to oversee the implementation of summit agreements.
Affirming their shared commitment to building a legacy of peace and prosperity for future generations, President Lee and President Mohammed agreed to maintain close communication and further strengthen the special strategic partnership between Korea and the UAE.