The story: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (MbZ) have moved to announce increased defense and energy cooperation. The announcement was made during a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Yoon. The trip highlights growing bilateral ties amid an Emirati drive to expand alliances in Asia. 

The coverage: Yoon was reportedly given a prestigious honor guard reception as he met MbZ at the Qasr Al-Watan presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on Jan. 15. 

• In a joint-statement published by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the two leaders agreed to “develop a special strategic partnership” in an array of areas including conventional and green energy, economic investments, and defense. 
  
  
• In connection with the visit, the UAE announced plans to invest 30B USD in “strategic sectors” in South Korea. 
  
  
• The meeting took place on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, with the two leaders pledging to achieve...