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Photo courtesy of Yonhap News |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] SEOUL, November 13 — Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik will depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today to promote K-Defense exports and strengthen strategic economic cooperation, under the authority granted by President Lee Jae-myung. During his stay, Kang will discuss enhanced partnerships in defense and defense technology, as well as cooperation in advanced industries, including artificial intelligence (AI).
According to the Presidential Office, Kang will leave for the UAE from Incheon International Airport this afternoon. This marks his fourth overseas mission as Special Envoy for Strategic Economic Cooperation, following recent visits to Poland, Romania, and Norway. In these meetings, Kang delivered the President’s letters and conveyed Korea’s commitment to support a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including financial assistance, technology partnerships, and cooperation with defense startups.
A senior official at the Presidential Office stated, “Chief of Staff Kang, in his renewed capacity as special envoy, will visit key partner nations in the Middle East. He will discuss building a comprehensive strategic economic cooperation model covering AI, defense, advanced manufacturing, culture, food, and healthcare.”
Kang is also expected to meet again with UAE Crown Prince Khalid bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, following their previous bilateral engagement during the Korea–UAE summit held alongside the APEC Summit in Gyeongju. President Lee emphasized during the summit that the UAE is “the only country in the Middle East with which Korea shares a Special Strategic Partnership,” expressing hope for an even deeper bilateral relationship.
The UAE has long shown strong interest in Korea’s defense systems, having signed a 4-trillion-won contract in 2022 to acquire the KM-SAM II (Cheongung-II) missile defense system. With the Dubai Airshow, the region’s largest aerospace exhibition, taking place next week, Kang is expected to actively promote key Korean defense platforms, including the KF-21 supersonic fighter jet.
The Korean government aims to position the UAE as a central export hub for K-Defense in the Middle East, amid growing global demand for advanced defense capabilities driven by rapidly changing security environments. Kang previously noted that shifting security dynamics have intensified defense acquisition efforts across Europe and assessed that Korean defense companies are well-positioned to expand into the European market and establish new growth hubs. Additional Middle Eastern partner countries will be announced at a later date.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
