South Korean President Yoon Hee-yeol arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, as part of his official visit where he is expected to expand sales of South Korean military equipment.
Suk Yeol was greeted by guards at the Qasr Al Watan palace on Sunday, where he was greeted by Emirati leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who He took office in May after years as the country’s de facto ruler.
The multibillion-dollar trade deal between South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, where the Asian country’s special forces are based, drew criticism under his liberal predecessors.
The South Korean leader’s visit is believed to be more focused on a trade deal, as the country’s military ties to the UAE have come under sharp criticism.
South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency quoted Sheikh Mohammed as saying that the UAE plans to invest US$30 billion in South Korea.
“We have decided to invest in the Republic of Korea, which keeps its promises under any circumstances,” he said.
However, the report did not elaborate on the details of the investment.
Ahead of Yoon’s visit, South Korean officials described the trip as seeking to cement ties between the two countries.
“The visit will strengthen strategic cooperation with our fraternal country, the UAE, in the four core areas of cooperation in nuclear power, energy, investment and defense,” said Kim Sung-han, minister of national security in the Yin government.
An arms deal is planned, Yonhap News Agency quoted an unnamed presidential official on Saturday as saying.
“The atmosphere between South Korea and the UAE for security or military cooperation involving the arms industry is very mature,” the official reportedly said.
(according to agency opinion)