SEOUL: South Korea's senior presidential secretary for AI, Ha Jung-woo, said on Wednesday (March 11) that artificial intelligence cooperation with the United Arab Emirates could accelerate after the Middle East conflict ends, given the UAE's need to strengthen its defence capabilities.
"We expect that cooperation (with the UAE) could accelerate further. Through this process, we believe there will be many opportunities for us to create together," Ha said at a press conference.
"Given the very complex situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, there is also a growing need for the UAE to significantly strengthen its defence capabilities," Ha said, adding that meetings with the UAE have continued despite the "very difficult environment."
Last year, South Korea agreed to work with the United Arab Emirates on the U.S.-backed Stargate project to build a massive new artificial intelligence data campus in the Gulf country.
South Korea said it will help build computing power and energy infrastructure for the world's largest set of AI data centres outside the United States, after South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had a summit with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
South Korea has said it will help build a power grid for the UAE's Stargate project using nuclear power, gas and renewable energy, while also deepening cooperation in the AI sector, including in investment, infrastructure, supply chains and research.
South Korea, home to chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, aims to become a regional AI hub as President Lee prioritises AI investment to spur growth at a time when US tariffs have clouded the broader economic outlook. - Reuters
