SEOUL, February 24 (AJP) - South Korea discussed ways to strengthen defense ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on Monday.
According to the South Korean arms procurement agency, DAPA chief Seok Jong-geon visited the UAE and Egypt from Feb. 17 to 21 to promote defense exports.
During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Seok attended IDEX, the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East, where he met with senior defense officials from various countries. The week-long event showcased 1,350 defense companies from 65 nations and attracted over 130,000 defense officials.
He held discussions with key UAE defense acquisition figures, including Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei and Chief of Staff Issa Al Mazrouei, regarding the participation of Korean defense companies in the UAE's arms procurement projects.
Seok also met with representatives from Saudi Arabia attending IDEX, signing a memorandum of understanding on mutual acceptance of government quality assurance for military supplies and services. This agreement allows South Korea's Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ) to guarantee the quality of Korean military products exported to Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Saudi government.
In Egypt, Seok met with officials from Korean defense companies, including Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Hanwha Aerospace, to discuss export plans for the TAipers anti-tank missile and the FA-50 fighter jet.
During a meeting with Egypt's Air Force commander Mahmoud Fouad Abdel-Gawad, Seok assured that comprehensive support, including follow-up logistics, would be provided if Egypt selects the FA-50.
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