Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik visited the United Arab Emirates as a special envoy for strategic economic cooperation. He secured a defense cooperation framework MOU worth over $35 billion covering the entire defense industry cycle. An additional $30 billion MOU was signed for cooperation in artificial intelligence and nuclear power. The combined 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 over $65 billion—$35 billion in defense and $30 billion in investment cooperation," Kang told reporters at Incheon International Airport on the 26th after completing his UAE trip. "We will accelerate working-level consultations on nuclear power, AI, advanced technology, and cultural cooperation projects to produce tangible results ahead of the summit."
Kang said he delivered a personal letter from President Lee Jae-myung to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, inviting him to visit South Korea. President Mohamed's visit to Korea is now expected to be formalized. Abu Dhabi Executive Council Chairman Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak is also scheduled to visit Korea again in March or April.
Kang declined to elaborate on specific defense export details within the $35 billion framework. "It's difficult to provide specific details," he said. "The $35 billion combines integrated aviation weapons, advanced aviation capabilities, and naval capabilities." He also said he could not disclose the timing of President Mohamed's visit "due to diplomatic protocol." Regarding the $30 billion investment cooperation, Kang noted that "specific details will be announced around May," adding, "Please understand that we have reached agreement on the amount, direction, and timing."
On joint entry into third-country nuclear markets, Kang said, "Globally, demand for nuclear power has expanded and strengthened due to the surge in AI and data centers." However, he declined to specify target countries, citing competitive considerations and diplomatic sensitivities. He added that participation in the UAE's Stargate Project, agreed upon last year, "is progressing steadily, and the direction of investment and cooperation will become more concrete."