President Park Geun-hye discussed bilateral cooperation, including the construction of nuclear power plants, with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi, during her visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 20.

The two leaders shared the common understanding that their nations would expand cooperation on energy, national defense, the creative industries, medical services, the arts and other international issues, all in celebration of the completion of the Korea-made nuclear reactor vessel Barakah-1, part of the UAE's first steps in its domestic nuclear energy industry, Cheong Wa Dae announced.


During the ceremony to mark the installation of the pressure vessel, and before the bilateral meeting, President Park said, "The construction of the Barakah power plant is more than just the construction of a nuclear power plant. It is a key project that brings the two countries' partnership forward over the next 100 years and thus is very symbolic."

"Barakah means 'blessing' in Arabic and I hope that this nuclear power plant gives a blessing to our countries' friendship," the president stressed.

"The construction of this nuclear power plant is not only the most important symbol of our bilateral cooperation, but is also going to open new horizons through a memorandum of understanding which covers issues regarding youth internships and employment and the assignment of professionals," said Sheikh Mohammed.

The prince also said their strategic partnership is now evolving into one of "brotherly countries." At the meeting, President Park asked for the UAE to help Korean companies participate in the country's oil projects and for the UAE to participate in the Northeast Asia Oil Hub project in Ulsan, Korea.



"Cooperation on health and medical services is a bright spot in the expansion of our bilateral relationship," said President Park.

The president added that she hopes that the UAE would send more patients for treatment and more medical professionals for training to Korea, and that more Korean hospitals would be able to do business in the UAE.

Explaining the Korean government's policies on creative industries, President Park said that she hopes to promote mutually beneficial programs, as there is a huge potential for cooperation in regard to the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which is being pursued by the Abu Dhabi government in preparation for the post-oil era when petroleum production decreases. In addition, the president asked for the UAE to help protect the over 10,000 Koreans and 170 Korean companies that do business in the Middle Eastern country.

"With the rapid expansion of human exchanges and with our ever-closer bilateral relationship, we hope the UAE will quickly increase the number of no-visa entry days given to Korean passport-holders, from the current 30 days up to 90 days," President Park said.

By Wi Tack-whan, Limb Jae-un
Korea.net staff writers
whan23@korea.kr