Deputy Minister Kim Geon Resumes Face-to-Face Diplomacy, Agrees with UAE on Establishing 'Fast-Track Entry System for Businesspeople'

High-Level First Face-to-Face Diplomacy Launched... Discussing Bilateral Relations Development Plans on the 40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
Implementation Timing of Expedited Entry System to Be Decided After Consultation with Domestic Relevant Ministries

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Kim Geon, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, who visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), held consultations with the UAE side on △ the Korea-UAE Fast Track entry system △ protection of Korean nationals in the UAE amid the COVID-19 pandemic △ and ways to develop bilateral relations in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 15th.

During his visit from the 13th to the 15th, Deputy Minister Kim paid a courtesy call on Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, and met with Asser Al Mazrouei, President of Crude Oil Production at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). He also held consultations with Khalifa Shahin Al Marar, Political Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Taking this opportunity of Deputy Minister Kim’s visit to the UAE, both countries agreed to establish the ‘Korea-UAE Fast Track Entry System’ to enable smooth exchanges and activities of businesspeople from both countries even amid the COVID-19 situation. The Fast Track system grants entry permission and quarantine exemptions to essential visitors (both short- and long-term residents) for important business, academic, and humanitarian purposes. The implementation schedule will be decided after consultations with relevant domestic ministries.

When Deputy Minister Kim visited Minister Abdullah, he delivered a letter from President Moon Jae-in addressed to Crown Prince Mohammed, saying, “Considering the special strategic partnership between Korea and the UAE and the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, our government’s first delegation after COVID-19 has visited the UAE.” In response, Minister Abdullah said, “We appreciate that the Korean delegation chose the UAE as the first country to visit after COVID-19,” adding, “The UAE values and takes pride in its special strategic partnership with Korea, and the bilateral relationship is something to be proud of for future generations.”

Deputy Minister Kim also held a video conference with Political Deputy Minister Al Marar to discuss ways to deepen and develop bilateral relations. Deputy Minister Al Marar said, “Due to restrictions on movement between the Emirates within the UAE, we had to meet via video conference,” and added, “We hope the COVID-19 situation will calm down soon so that we can meet in person for consultations.”

In response, Deputy Minister Kim said, “I request the UAE government to continue to pay special attention and provide support for the safety and health of our nationals residing in the UAE.” Deputy Minister Al Marar promised, “We consider Korean nationals in the UAE as part of the UAE people and will treat them without discrimination.”

Both sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation through sharing experiences in important areas for both countries, including food security such as the ‘Desert Rice Farming Project,’ which bore its first harvest in May this year, as well as health. Subsequently, Deputy Minister Kim met with Asser Al Mazrouei, President of Crude Oil Production at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and requested that attention be paid to ensuring that Korean companies can carry out construction projects in a safe environment.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.