On May 28, President Yoon Suk-yeol and his spouse welcomed President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul, marking the first official meeting between the two leaders.
President Mohamed's visit holds significant diplomatic importance as it signifies the first visit by a sitting UAE president since his inauguration in May 2022. The two leaders engaged in a comprehensive two-day itinerary, including friendly meetings, a banquet, an official welcoming ceremony, and a summit meeting.
Their first stop was Changdeokgung Palace, where President Yoon and President Mohamed strolled through the Buyongji area, engaging in discussions covering various topics, including Korean culture.
Subsequently, the leaders enjoyed a traditional performance titled "Hakyeonhwadaemu," symbolizing respect for UAE's cultural traditions, notably their affinity for birds, as showcased by their national bird, the falcon.
Following the performance, President Yoon and President Mohamed exchanged dialogues in an informal and cordial setting, fostering closer ties between their nations.
Transitioning from the palace, the leaders convened at the Blue House for a presidential banquet, further solidifying the bonds between South Korea and the UAE. President Yoon expressed his warm welcome to President Mohamed, highlighting the significance of his historic state visit in advancing the "special strategic partnership" between the two countries. President Mohamed, in turn, expressed gratitude for the gracious hospitality extended to him and conveyed optimism for the outcomes of the visit.
President Yoon Suk-yeol's hosting of President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan exemplifies South Korea's commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with the UAE and underscores the importance of international cooperation in today's global landscape.