By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung held his first phone conversation with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the afternoon of July 1, according to a written briefing by Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong.

President Lee expressed gratitude for President Mohammed's congratulations on his inauguration and expressed hope that the two countries would work together to further strengthen the “special strategic partnership” between South Korea and the UAE, taking the opportunity of the new government's establishment.

The two leaders agreed on the need to expand the comprehensive relationship between the two countries, which is based on mutual trust, into more strategic and future-oriented areas.

They also agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as AI, advanced technology, defense and military industries, and nuclear power.

The two leaders agreed to meet in person at events such as the APEC Summit to discuss specific cooperation measures to enhance bilateral relations.