On Sunday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Sheikh Mohammed stated that the UAE wished to strengthen its more than 40-year-old trading connections with South Korea.

“Our 41-year partnership is quickly strengthening, with the UAE being their largest trading partner in the area,” he tweeted.

“We are looking for a long-term strategic economic collaboration with them.”

On Saturday, Mr. Moon landed in the UAE and met with Sheikh Mohammed at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Both presidents talked about measures to improve bilateral ties and observed the signing of bilateral agreements.

According to government data, trade connections between the UAE and South Korea reached more than $9.4 billion in 2020 and increased to more than $2 billion in the first six months of last year.

In October, the two nations agreed to begin discussions on boosting cooperation in important sectors such as climate change mitigation and advanced technology, in order to develop new investment and trade possibilities.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022.

Sunday was dedicated to celebrating all things South Korean at Expo 2020 Dubai, with a program that featured a traditional Jang-Gu drumming performance, a taekwondo demonstration, and a K-pop concert starring six of the country’s greatest musicians.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, greeted Mr. Moon and his wife, Kim Jung-sook, at Expo and lauded South Korea’s exhibit.

“The pavilion of the Republic of Korea is outstanding in terms of modern architecture and interactive content, emphasizing the influence of virtual mobility on our modern world,” he remarked.

“It also highlights how these breakthroughs are made possible by its core resources, which include the brilliant minds and abilities of its devoted employees.”

Mr. Moon stated that Expo 2020 Dubai is “making the aspiration for a sustainable future a reality.”

“As it prepares to usher in a post-pandemic age, the UAE’s endeavors that put environmental integrity and sustainability into practice will greatly inspire the globe,” he added.

“The UAE’s government and people have converted the Middle East’s first Expo into a celebration, looking ahead to the future.”
South Korea, which first participated in Expo in 1962, hopes to host the world’s fair in 2030.

“Information and technology have acted as one of the development engines that have powered Korea’s ascension to the world’s tenth biggest economy,” he stated.

“Through Expo 2020 Dubai, people from all over the globe have been linking their brains, and I believe we will connect again in Korea in 2030.”