Trip aims to reinforce economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and South Korea’s global role across the Middle East and Africa
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will begin a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, marking his first trip to the Middle East since assuming office in June. The visit is part of a broader diplomatic mission covering four countries — the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, and Türkiye.
According to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac, President Lee will stay in the UAE from November 17 to 19, then proceed to Egypt for an official visit. He will later attend the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, before concluding his trip with a visit to Türkiye.
Strengthening the UAE–Korea Strategic Relationship
During his stay in Abu Dhabi, President Lee will hold a summit with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Both leaders are expected to discuss ways to deepen the Special Strategic Partnership — a designation the UAE uniquely holds among Middle Eastern nations in its ties with South Korea.
Discussions will focus on:
- Investment and economic cooperation
- Energy and advanced technologies
- Defense and artificial intelligence
- Healthcare and cultural collaboration
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) is expected to be signed to further cooperation in sectors such as AI and the defense industry.
Economic Partnership and Broader Diplomatic Outreach
The two leaders will also explore progress under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership framework while reviewing key regional and global issues. This visit follows their brief encounter during the APEC forum in Gyeongju last month, where both sides discussed the need to further expand bilateral ties.
The presidential office sees the UAE visit as a strategic opportunity to enhance cooperation in emerging industries and to increase South Korea’s presence in the Middle East.
Egypt: Marking 30 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Following the UAE visit, President Lee will travel to Egypt for an official visit. He is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as the two countries recognize the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. President Lee will also deliver a speech at Cairo University, outlining South Korea’s role in regional development and its growing diplomatic interest in the Middle East.
Topics expected in Cairo include defense industry collaboration, economic partnerships, and regional stability.
South Africa: G20 Summit and Global Policy Agenda
President Lee will then head to Johannesburg to participate in the G20 Summit from Friday to Sunday. According to Adviser Wi, Lee will outline Korea’s economic policy direction and seek cooperation with major economies on climate change, supply chain stability, artificial intelligence, and future-oriented employment strategies.
He is expected to promote Korea’s vision for a “Global AI Basic Society”, building upon proposals introduced at the Gyeongju APEC forum. The summit will provide a platform for Seoul to reaffirm its commitment to global cooperation and development—particularly in relation to the African continent.
Türkiye: Final Stop of the Diplomatic Tour
Türkiye will be the last stop on President Lee’s itinerary. A summit with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to focus on cooperation in defense, nuclear energy, and biotechnology. Talks will also address regional security and maintaining stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Middle East.
Expanding South Korea’s Global Footprint
President Lee is expected to return home on November 26. The presidential office views this multi-country visit as a strategic move to expand South Korea’s diplomatic presence across the Middle East and Africa — regions that hold growing economic and geopolitical importance.
The tour is also seen as an effort to diversify South Korea’s international partnerships at a time of shifting global dynamics and increasing competition in areas such as technology, defense, and energy.
