Relations between the UAE and Asian economic forces have been the scene of continuous qualitative developments for years. These have developed into frameworks such as the special strategic partnership as with South Korea and the global strategic partnership as in the case of the People’s Republic of China.
The recent visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates, added a new dimension to this process and gave new impetus to the special strategic partnership between the Emirates and South Korea. This includes an agreement to build the world’s largest oil storage project in the UAE.
His official visit was marked by many indications that relations between the two countries went beyond the traditional context. It also reflected the high level of respect and appreciation shown by the South Korean side to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. On the first day of the visit, South Korean President Moon Jae-In held a closed dinner for the leader and a solemn reception ceremony.
The meetings between His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the President of South Korea also reflect the willingness of both sides to give new impetus to relations whenever the opportunity arises. The working groups examined cooperation possibilities in various areas.
The last meeting was the second between the two leaders in less than a year. They met during the South Korean President’s visit to the UAE in March 2018, at which the special strategic partnership’ was adopted.
It is clear that the South Korean President has made an exceptional bet on the strategic role of the UAE as a development force for the Middle East and North Africa. He chose it as the first station to visit in the region after taking office in May 2017.
The special strategic partnership between the two countries is based on several principles. The project, which includes four peaceful nuclear power plants built by South Korea is a very important project for the UAE. It provides about 25% of its future energy needs and plays an important role in the implementation of energy diversification plans.
This strategic project shows the level of trust and depth of the partnership. This partnership was not limited to this project but was extended during the recent visit of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. ADNOC and South Korean company SK Engineering and Construction will build the world’s largest oil storage facility in Fujairah, with a capacity of 42 million barrels, worth 4.4 billion AED. More than 50% of it will contribute to the UAE’s economy.
One of the most important dimensions of this partnership is that the sustainable development model of both countries has a high reputation and shares the same objectives: to adopt a philosophy of action based on the promotion of security and stability and development as the main starting point for achieving peace. It also promotes co-existence and rejects violence, extremism and terrorism.
The UAE is South Korea’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and the second largest supplier of oil to Korea. It is the only country with which South Korea has a special strategic partnership. Prospects for bilateral relations and cooperation promise that future cooperation frameworks will be strong in areas such as artificial intelligence, innovation, economic sectors, defense, science, culture, education and new and renewable energies. The diversity of these areas reflects the solid foundations of cooperation.
Semiconductors, telecommunications, aerospace, and artificial intelligence have been among the most important challenges for these relationships.
In the light of this cooperation between two economically promising countries, there is a role model in international relations, in which States work side by side to use development for the well-being of their people. South Korea’s appreciation of the UAE and its leadership as well as its development model reflects the country’s position as a world leader in peace making.
