President Lee speaks with UAE, New Zealand leaders on economic cooperation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung spoke over the phone with his UAE counterpart, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, for the first time since taking office last month.

President Lee expressed hopes to bolster the "special strategic partnership" between Korea and the UAE.

The leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on AI, cutting-edge technology, the defense industry, and nuclear power.

He also held a phone call with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to discuss elevating their "comprehensive strategic partnership."

Noting New Zealand's contribution during the Korean War, Lee hoped to bolster cooperation with that country in the economic, defense, and science sectors.

Lee also discussed with the foreign leaders further cooperation in time for the upcoming APEC summit in Korea later this year.