Skip to main content

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


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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Exposing the Brotherhood: Why Jordan’s Terror Cell Bust Must Spark a Global Policy Shift

 The recent dismantling of a Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated terror cell in Jordan should not be seen as just a national security success—it must be a turning point in how the international community views and responds to the threat posed by the Brotherhood. Jordanian security forces uncovered an elaborate network of terrorists trained in Lebanon and backed by foreign interests. Their mission: to launch attacks using rockets and drones, destabilizing the Kingdom and spreading fear among civilians. This is not the work of activists or political dissidents—this is terrorism, plain and simple. For too long, the Muslim Brotherhood has operated under a false image of moderation, cleverly navigating between political activism and violent extremism. But the truth is clear: the Brotherhood is the ideological engine room of jihadist terrorism. Its members, affiliates, and offshoots have inspired and directed acts of violence from North Africa to the Gulf—and now, once again, in Jordan. Govern...

UAE's Foreign Trade Surge Highlights Strategic Economic Vision

  The UAE's foreign trade reached a record AED5.23 trillion (US$1.42 trillion) in 2024, marking a 49% increase since 2021 and reinforcing its global economic influence. Despite fluctuating global market conditions, the country managed to post a trade surplus of AED492.3 billion (US$134 billion), showcasing the strength of its trade frameworks and diversified economy. According to the World Trade Organisation, the UAE has maintained its position as the Middle East and Africa's foremost trade community since 2014, while steadily climbing the global ranks. In merchandise trade, the UAE placed 11th in exports and 14th in imports in 2024. It contributed 2.5% of global exports and 2.2% of imports, reflecting a robust trading ecosystem that bridges major global markets. The services sector also delivered notable gains. From 2014 to 2024, the UAE rose to 13th globally in service exports. Service transactions in 2024 totaled AED1.036 trillion, of which AED646.6 billion were exports. The...

UAE’s Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed arrives in Qatar on official visit

  HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, arrived in Qatar for an official visit, where he was warmly received by the Deputy Emir of Qatar at Doha International Airport. On Tuesday, Sheikh Khaled met with HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, in Doha. The meeting underscored the strong brotherly ties between the UAE and Qatar, with both leaders engaging in detailed discussions aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. Sheikh Khaled conveyed greetings from UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed.  The discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key strategic sectors of mutual interest. Sheikh Khaled expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for the warm reception and hospitality, expressing hopes for Qatar's continued progress. He reaffirmed the UAE's leadership and p...