By Kim Hyelin 

President Lee Jae Myung on July 1 held his first phone calls with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and New Zealand since taking office, discussing raising bilateral cooperation, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing.

In his talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President Lee said he hopes that his administration's launch is an opportunity to further boost the "special strategic partnership" between the two countries.

Both leaders agreed to expand their bilateral relations, which have been comprehensively developed based on mutual trust, to future-oriented sectors like artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, defense and the defense industry, and nuclear power. They also pledged to discuss cooperation plans in person at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Korea.

In his subsequent call with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, President Lee called the Oceanic country a staunch ally during the Korean War even before bilateral ties were formed in 1962. The Korean leader also urged deeper cooperation in a range of fields like economy, defense and the defense industry, science and technology, and space.

Prime Minister Luxon congratulated President Lee on his inauguration, highlighted the growing popularity of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in New Zealand, and expressed interest in reinforcing cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides stressed the need to elevate bilateral ties to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" and agreed to maintain communication. They also pledged to cooperate as charter member states of APEC to ensure a successful hosting of this year's summit and hold in-person dialogue at the appropriate opportunity on boosting relations.

kimhyelin211@korea.kr