The 21st edition of the Korea–Middle East Cooperation Forum was held in Doha, bringing together senior officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Korea, alongside policymakers, academics, and experts from both regions.
Held under the theme “Korea and the Middle East: A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity,” the forum was organized by the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) in partnership with the Korea–Arab Society (KAS) and the Jeju Peace Institute, and held under the patronage of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Korea.
The opening session featured remarks by Her Excellency Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who emphasized that peace and development are two sides of the same coin, and that the challenges we face can only be addressed through cooperation built on trust, responsibility, and tangible outcomes.
Korean Foreign Minister Dr. Cho Hyun delivered a recorded video message, expressing gratitude to the organizing institutions, particularly the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for its continued support and commitment to hosting the forum for the fourth consecutive year.
The opening session also included remarks by Dr. Khalid Al-Jaber, Executive Director of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, and His Excellency Young Hoon Kang, President of the Jeju Peace Institute. Dr. Al-Jaber highlighted the forum’s role as a genuine platform for intercultural dialogue and policy innovation and praised the enduring partnerships with the Jeju Peace Institute and the Korea–Arab Society. He noted that Qatar–Korea relations have become a model for balanced cooperation based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a forward-looking vision.
His Excellency Young Hoon Kang expressed his pleasure in participating in this forum exploring future relations between Korea and the Middle East. He explained: “we will focus on geopolitical shifts, joint development of future industries, and empowerment of women and youth business leaders, which I think are very timely and meaningful topics.”
Follwining the remarks, the forum proceeded with three thematic sessions: “The Future of Korea–Middle East Relations Amidst Geopolitical Shifts,” “Enhancing Cooperation in Future Industries: From Energy to Artificial Intelligence,” and “Challenges and Opportunities for Young Business Leaders in Korea and the Middle East.”
Through these discussions, the forum aimed to generate actionable insights and policy solutions that foster mutual understanding and sustainable partnerships.
Established in 2003, the Korea–Middle East Cooperation Forum is held annually, alternating between Korea and countries in the Middle East. For over two decades, it has served as a key platform for dialogue among policymakers and experts from both regions.