By Lee Kap-soo
“UAE is actively working on adopting a knowledge-driven and diversified economy,” said Amb. Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi of UAE to Korea on Nov. 17.
Delivering welcoming remarks at the gala event to celebrate the 52nd UAE national Day, which marks the formation of the country’s federation, Amb. Al Nuaimi said at Hotel Shilla in Seoul, “On Dec. 2 in 1971, the leaders of the Emirates agreed to unite the independent seven Emirates into a single nation. We celebrate this special event with the progress that the UAE has made over the past years. To continue the course of this progress, the UAE adopted ambitious strategies.”
More than 500 distinguished guests from the Korean government and various other segments of Korean society, as well as the ambassadors and other senior officials from the Seoul Diplomatic Corps, attended the gala reception.
Among the distinguished guests were Minister Won Hee-ryong of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Amb. Andrew Chernetsky of Belarus; Amb. Nurgali Arystanov fo Kazakhstan; Amb. Chring Botumrangsay of Cambodia; and Amb. Songkane Luangmuninthone of Laos.
Amb. Al Nuaimi said, “In showing the country’s commitment of sustainable practices, the UAE has announced 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability”. It has also adopted effective policies to confront climate change, which is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today.
“This challenge would shift to diversify the economy, focusing on the green economy, and to enhance energy efficiency, with various energy sources by focusing on clean, renewable energy, among others.”
He also said, "In 2024, the UAE is set to launch the "Mohammed bin Zayed SAT” satellite (MBZ-SAR), which is considered the largest and most advanced satellite.
Noting that the UAE and Korea have witnesses significant progress over the year, Amb. Al Nuaimi said, "Based on this partnership, the bilateral exchanges between the two countries are expected to expand in the future. In addition, the bilateral cooperation is expected to expand in culture and healthcare as well as in emerging future-oriented industries.”
In welcome remarks, Minister Won Hee-ryong said, “Korea and the Arab world share a longstanding bond. Almost a thousand years ago, Arab merchants played a pivotal role in promoting “Goryeo,” one of the old Korean Dynasties, to the world, thereby contributing to the recognition of Korea’s English name.
“Korea and the UAE, in particular, have strengthened cooperation in various fields such as construction, infrastructure, energy, culture, and economy since the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1980.
“Based on these solid foundations, President Yoon Suk-yeol paid a state visit to the UAE this January and reached an agreement with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to elevate the “special strategic partnership” between our two countries to the highest level.”
He added, “Furthermore, in October of this year, Korea and the UAE concluded the comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), setting the stage for increased bilateral trade and investment.”
As side events to celebrate the 52nd UAE national Day, models from the UAE and South Korea clad in various traditional clothing present a fashion show.
