Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, representing UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, urged the establishment of an integrated global economic system based on multilateralism and openness for sustainable, inclusive growth. The UAE reinforced its commitment to fostering strategic partnerships and expanding economic cooperation across key sectors at the summit in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.
UAE Leadership at the 2025 APEC Forum
Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan led the UAE
delegation at the 2025 APEC forum held in Gyeongju, South Korea, a gathering
that brings together leaders and delegations from 21 Asia-Pacific economies. As
reported by WAM, Sheikh Khaled officially opened the UAE's address by conveying
warm greetings from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al
Nahyan. He wished the forum success in expanding strategic partnerships serving
the collective interests of member states and their peoples.
Sheikh Khaled highlighted the critical economic challenges
and transformations confronting the world, emphasising that overcoming these
requires stronger international cooperation. The Crown Prince stressed the need
to transform competitive advantages into bridges for new partnerships in
sectors like advanced technology, digital transformation, artificial
intelligence (AI), precision industries and healthcare.
"As reported by WAM, Sheikh Khaled affirmed, 'The United Arab Emirates firmly believes that overcoming these challenges requires building an integrated global economic system that is rooted in multilateralism and openness to regional and international markets to create new avenues for collaboration, ensure stability and safeguard shared economic interests.'"
Strategic Meetings and Partnerships
During the forum, Sheikh Khaled conducted bilateral meetings
with key leaders to strengthen strategic partnerships:
- With
John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong, discussions centred on enhancing
strategic partnerships and exploring new collaboration opportunities in
sectors of mutual interest, focusing on sustainable development and shared
prosperity.
- Discussions
with Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore, revolved around deepening
bilateral relations and expanding cooperation to broader horizons, aligned
with common goals and national aspirations.
- The
Crown Prince also met Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand,
reviewing areas of mutual interest and exploring wider economic and
investment collaboration, knowledge exchange, and cooperation across
priority sectors.
These meetings underscored the UAE's aim to deepen ties
within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, aligning with its vision of
fostering global economic integration.
UAE's Key Role and Vision at APEC
According to His Excellency Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, in an article for Al Etihad, the UAE’s invitation as Guest of Honour to the 2025 APEC Summit is recognition of its role as a reliable global partner and a major hub connecting the Middle East with the Asia-Pacific. The summit’s theme,
"Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Connect, Innovate, Prosper,"
closely aligns with the UAE's
national vision which integrates knowledge, sustainability, and innovation.
The UAE has established itself as a leader in AI adoption
and digital transformation, with initiatives like the AI Strategy launched in
2017 and the Climate Neutrality Strategy 2050. It has made significant advances
in renewable energy and sustainable development, commitments highlighted during
its hosting of COP28 in 2023.
These efforts reflect the UAE’s comprehensive approach to
sustainable national development across environmental, economic and social
dimensions. Participation at APEC further amplifies the UAE’s ambition to
leverage its strategic geographic position, world-class infrastructure, and
flexible investment policies to facilitate trade, investment and technology
transfers between the Middle East and Asia-Pacific.
Multilateral Cooperation and Economic Integration
Sheikh Khaled’s statements at the forum echo broader themes
of multilateralism and openness that have guided UAE economic policymaking. The
UAE has prioritized comprehensive economic partnerships, signing 28
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with 11 currently in
effect, covering countries representing nearly a quarter of the global
population.
This strategy supports APEC’s ongoing mission to promote
free trade and regional economic integration, which has driven the growth of
trade in the Asia-Pacific from $3 trillion in 1989 to $14 trillion by 2023
while reducing average tariffs significantly.
The Gulf Today’s coverage, citing WAM, notes that the APEC
forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue to enhance trade, joint
investments, and strategic collaboration in technology, healthcare, digital
transformation, and renewable energy sectors.
UAE’s Commitment to Sustainable Development and Innovation
The UAE’s vision for a sustainable economy is built on
fostering innovation and digital transformation. Its national strategies,
including "We the UAE 2031," focus on societal, economic, diplomatic,
and environmental pillars, seeking balanced growth that incorporates climate
action and economic opportunity.
The UAE exemplifies leadership in shifting from traditional
to renewable energy sources and actively engages in global sustainability
forums such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the World Future Energy
Summit.
In addition to economic cooperation, the UAE's presence as
guest of honour at APEC signals its emergence as a key player connecting the
Middle East with global economic powers. As reported by The Korea Times, this
role is bolstered by its reputation for embracing technological innovation and
digital governance, aligning with APEC’s long-term objectives of driving
sustainable and inclusive growth through technology.
Delegation Composition and Departure
Aside from Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
the UAE delegation included high-level officials such as Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak,
Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority; Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi,
Minister of Foreign Trade; Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, Minister of State; Saif
Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Maryam Eid
AlMheiri, Chairperson of Abu Dhabi Media Office; as well as Abdulla Saif Al
Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to South Korea.
Following the conclusion of the forum, Sheikh Khaled
departed Korea, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to working collaboratively
with the Asia-Pacific region to foster sustainable development and economicprosperity for its citizens and partners.
The UAE’s active participation and leadership at the 2025 APEC forum represent a significant push for a globally integrated economic system underpinned by multilateralism, openness, and sustainable innovation. By emphasising strategic partnerships, the UAE aims not only to bolster its own economic growth but also to contribute meaningfully to regional and global economic stability and prosperity.