UAE’s friendship with South Korea ‘more vital than ever’
A partnership between Middle Eastern nations and South Korea is more important than ever because of the rise of protectionism and anti-globalisation elsewhere in the world, experts said.
At a summit in Abu Dhabi yesterday examining co-operation between the regions, representatives from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and South Korea said they were determined to forge stronger links by working more closely together in areas such as nuclear power, artificial intelligence and robotics.
South Korea, which is known for its expertise in technological innovation, was cited repeatedly as a model for the UAE to follow in its effort to grow its private sector and diversify its economy. The nations already work in partnership, for example on the Barakah nuclear power plant, but government officials on both sides said they were ready to deepen ties.
Seungjoo Lee, a professor in the department of political science at Chung-Ang University in Seoul, said a stronger partnership is desirable because of developments in the rest of the world. He cited US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies and Brexit as events that could mean a “crisis of the international order”.
Kim Jin-soo, secretary-general of the Korea-Arab Society, said it is vital that international partnerships are sustained at a time when the world faces many challenges.
“At a time of such great change we find ourselves facing many challenges, including the anti-globalisation sentiment and a return to protectionism in some parts of the world,” Mr Kim said.
“Against this backdrop, international co-operation – such as the one between Korea and the Middle East – bears greater weight and importance.”
The event was the 15th Korea-Middle East Co-operation Forum. It was attended by dozens of ambassadors, politicians and academics.
Lee Tae-ho, South Korea’s second vice minister for foreign affairs, said his country was entering a “new phase of partnership” with the Middle East.
Its commitment to the Middle East would remain “unwavering and rock solid,” he said.
When asked whether building strong relationships with Korea had become more important since the election of President Trump, Khaleefa Al Mansouri, undersecretary in the department of economic development for Abu Dhabi, said the UAE had “eggs in different baskets from the East to the West”.
The US is currently embroiled in a trade war with China and Mr Trump has alienated some Muslims with his statements and policies.
“We are evaluating,” Mr Al Mansouri said. “The US remains our strategic partner and it helps us in establishing partnerships with US strategic partners.
“So I don’t think there is a direct conflict, there will be a short-term change in the part