The President (left) and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the United Arab Emirates on Dec. 26. The President held talks with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on Saturday (Dec. 26) to promote Korea''s bid to win a nuclear power plant contract in the Middle Eastern country.

The President arrived the same day in Abu Dhabi. In a surprise gesture, the prince greeted him at the airport, where they exchanged greetings and a short chat for about 35 minutes.

The President said meeting the prince was like seeing an old friend, and Al Nahyan said he also felt comfortable meeting the Korean leader. 

Though The President traveled to the UAE to promote Korea''s bid to win the project, he said his visit could result in much closer bilateral ties.

The UAE has had close relations with European countries but should consider forming better ties with Korea, a country which has always had high regard for friendship with other nations throughout its history, he said.

Korea has no natural resources like oil or gas, thus its competitiveness lies in its technology and education, The President said. If Korea''s strengths are combined with those of the UAE, he said, vibrant personnel exchanges will result in education, culture, economy and many other sectors and greatly benefit both sides.

The prince agreed, saying he hopes to see development in diplomatic ties between both countries over the next 50 years and for people from both nations to get to know each other through increased cooperation, especially in education, politics, trade and technology. He also said he hopes the two peoples can visit and learn more about each other''s country.

Aside from the bid for the nuclear plant, The President also complimented the UAE for being the first among oil-producing nations to boldly pursue the construction of a carbonless green city to be named Masdar. Were it not for Al Nahyan''s strong will and leadership, the project would not have been possible, he said.

Thanking The President for the compliments, the prince said he is simply preparing for the post-oil age and seeking new areas of investment to diversify UAE industries.

The Middle Eastern country is holding an international tender for a nuclear power plant worth an estimated 40 billion U.S. dollars. Another 20 billion dollars in revenue is expected over 60 years of operations, change of devices, and other joint checkups.

In May, a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corp. was formed to bid for the plant. Its competitors are the French nuclear group Areva SA and other consortia. If Korea wins the contract, it will be the biggest plant contract in Korean history and the country''s first export of a nuclear power plant.

The President, who earlier this year announced his vision of making Korea a nation of low carbon and green growth, is eyeing nuclear power as a means to reduce carbon emissions.