Lee meets Korean troops stationed in UAE
President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung listen to a Korean soldier speaking during a meeting with members of the Akh unit, the Korean military contingent in the United Arab Emirates, at a hotel in Abu Dhabi, Nov. 19. Yonhap
ABU DHABI — President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday met with the Korean military contingent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and commended their service in contributing to peace and security in the Middle Eastern nation.
Lee met with about 50 members of the Akh unit during his stay in Abu Dhabi, before concluding his three-day state visit to the UAE.
"You are carrying out important duties that protect peace in the world and the Middle East, elevate the dignity of the Republic of Korea and safeguard the lives of our people," Lee said, referring to Korea by its official name.
He expressed gratitude for their service and vowed to remember their dedication.
"The nation will not forget the sacrifices you are making," said Lee, donning the unit's uniform.
The Akh unit has been carrying out various missions in the UAE since its establishment in 2011, including protecting Korean nationals in the region in case of emergencies. Akh means brother in Arabic.
During a leader-to-leader summit, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the service of the Akh unit and expressed hope for deepening cooperation in related areas.