By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

President Lee Jae-myung, on a Middle East and Africa tour, held a dinner meeting with Korean compatriots in Abu Dhabi on Nov. 17 (local time) to encourage Korean nationals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Approximately 150 people attended this meeting, including representatives of compatriot organizations, businesspeople, members of the Advisory Council for Democratic Peaceful Reunification, Korean language school officials, cultural and artistic figures, and employees of international organizations.

Jang Kwang-deok, President of the Korean Association in the UAE, warmly welcomed President Lee and his wife, stating, “I feel a sense of pride every time I hear people here say, ‘We trust you because you are Korean.’”

He also pledged to make every effort as a private citizen diplomat for the prosperity of both nations, aligning with the vision of “A Nation Where the People Are the Masters, a Korea of Innovation and Inclusion.”

President Lee expressed delight at meeting the vibrant Korean community in the UAE, stating, “The UAE, opening a new world with cutting-edge science and technology, serves as a ‘base camp’ for Korea's entry into the Middle East and Arab regions. Together, our two nations will surely forge a new path of shared prosperity.”

He also highly praised the contributions of the Korean community in enriching bilateral exchanges and the potential of K-Culture, adding, “I will ensure the Republic of Korea stands as your strong backing, making you proud to be Korean citizens.”

Following this, Dr. Noh Hyung-joo, Director of Beauty for Life Abu Dhabi Center and the UAE's first Korean plastic surgeon, led the toast.

Additionally, attendees including Lee Yoon-jin, Principal of Dubai Korean Language School; Kim Gwi-hyeon, Chairperson of the UAE Chapter of the 22nd Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council; and Oh Joo-hyun, Director of the Sharjah-based Sejong Institute, shared diverse stories and activities experienced locally.

Principal Lee Yun-jin of the Dubai Korean Language School expressed her aspiration: “Despite various challenging circumstances, the Dubai Korean Language School will preserve Korean roots education and serve as a small beacon conveying the dignity of the Republic of Korea to the world.”

Kim Gwi-hyeon, Chairperson of the UAE Chapter of the 22nd Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, a first-and-a-half generation immigrant who has resided in the UAE for over 30 years, introduced the changed status of the Republic of Korea locally. He remarked, “Through this gathering, I could feel that even though we live far apart, the Republic of Korea is always by our side.”

Oh Joo-hyun, Director of the Sharjah Sejong Institute, noted that locals have such deep interest and they recognize Koreans and speak to them in Korean. He expressed his resolve, “I will do my utmost every day with the mindset of being ‘Korea's face’ in the UAE.”

After listening to the compatriots' stories, President Lee stated, “Relations between the UAE and the Republic of Korea will expand beyond what you imagine, and I will strive to transform our homeland into one that makes you feel proud.”

The celebratory performance for the gathering featured a quintet ensemble composed of compatriot students, who played ‘Love's Greeting’ and ‘Island Baby’. Following this, Lee Soo-hyun took the stage to perform a fan dance.