UAE President to begin state visit to South Korea, China: Explore bilateral relations and trade outlook

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Upcoming State Visits to South Korea and China

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the UAE, is set to begin a high-profile state visit to South Korea on May 28, followed by a visit to China on May 30. These visits come at the invitation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

State Visit to South Korea

During his visit to South Korea, Sheikh Mohamed will engage in discussions on bilateral relations and strategies to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and technology. Additionally, they will address regional and international developments of mutual interest.

The UAE and South Korea have a long-standing partnership that began 44 years ago, characterized by cooperation in various domains such as economic development, climate change, nuclear energy, food security, cybersecurity, defense, healthcare, culture, and space. The UAE President’s visit marks a significant milestone in these relations. 

In 2022, non-oil bilateral trade between the UAE and South Korea reached $5.3 billion, a 12.5% increase from the previous year. South Korea’s investments in the UAE totaled $2.2 billion, while UAE investments in South Korea were $578 million. The comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA), concluded in October 2023, is expected to further boost bilateral trade and investment.

State Visit to China

In China, Sheikh Mohamed will discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation, particularly in the economic, developmental, and cultural fields. His visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of UAE-China diplomatic relations and the 10th Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

The UAE and China have shared a strong partnership since establishing diplomatic ties in 1984. In 2018, President Xi Jinping's state visit to the UAE elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. 

China is the UAE's leading trade partner, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $95 billion last year. The UAE serves as China’s top trading partner in the Arab and Gulf regions and is a major participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative, enhancing economic and trade cooperation.

Travel and Tourism

Travel and tourism play a crucial role in strengthening UAE-South Korea relations, with over 200,000 Korean travelers visiting the UAE annually. Etihad Airways and Emirates operate numerous flights between the two countries each month. 

These visits by HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed signify the UAE's commitment to deepening ties with South Korea and China, fostering cooperation across various sectors, and advancing mutual development goals.