Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik secured a $30 billion cooperation memorandum of understanding in artificial intelligence and nuclear energy during his visit to the United Arab Emirates as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation. The two countries also signed a "Defense Cooperation Framework MOU" worth over $35 billion covering the entire defense industry lifecycle. Combined, the agreements total more than $65 billion (92 trillion won) in cooperative projects.
"Through in-depth discussions at the highest level, we agreed to jointly pursue projects worth more than $65 billion—$35 billion in defense and $30 billion in investment cooperation," Kang told reporters at Incheon International Airport on the 26th after concluding his UAE trip. "We will accelerate working-level consultations to produce tangible results in nuclear energy, AI, advanced technology, and cultural cooperation projects ahead of the upcoming summit."
Kang said he delivered a personal letter from President Lee Jae-myung inviting UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to visit Korea. The UAE president's visit to Korea is expected to be officially announced. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority, is also scheduled to visit Korea again in March or April.
Kang declined to elaborate on the specific details of the $35 billion defense exports. "It's difficult to provide specifics," he said, noting only that the figure covers "integrated aviation weapons, advanced air power, and naval power combined." Regarding the timing of President Mohamed's visit, Kang said, "Diplomatic protocol prevents us from disclosing that."
On the $30 billion investment cooperation, he said, "We will announce specific details around May. Please understand that we have reached agreement on the amount, direction, and timing."
Regarding joint entry into third countries in the nuclear sector, Kang said, "Globally, demand for nuclear power has broadened and strengthened due to the surge in AI and data centers." However, he added, "It would not be appropriate to specify which countries we will enter jointly, given the presence of competitors and the need to consult with partner countries."
He noted that participation in the UAE "Stargate Project," agreed upon last year, "is progressing steadily, and the direction of investment and cooperation will become more concrete."