November 10, 2025
Korea and the Middle East: A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity
The 21st edition
KOREA MIDDLE EAST COOPERATION FORUM
The 21st Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum
Korea and the Middle East: A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity
The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) in partnership with the Korea Arab Society (KAS), and the Jeju Peace Institute (JPI), and under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, is organizing the 21st edition of the Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum on November 10, 2025 in Doha.
The Korea -Middle East Cooperation Forum serves as a cornerstone of strengthening relations between both regions. For over two decades, the Forum has contributed to expanding ties between the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Middle East. As both the MENA and ROK navigate a rapidly evolving geopolitical climate, regional conflicts and the intensifying pressures of great power competition, this year’s Forum will explore pathways to harness a comprehensive partnership between ROK and the region.
Against the backdrop of complex regional and global dynamics, the 21st edition of the Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum, held under the theme “Korea and the Middle East: A Partnership for Peace and Prosperity,” will highlight the enduring strength of Korea-Middle East relations. This year’s Forum aims to assess how political and economic shifts are shaping their partnership and to explore ways to build on the existing robust ties to advance comprehensive and sustainable cooperation across economic, political, and security issues. It will also seek to identify new pathways to promote shared prosperity and stability in both the Middle East and East Asia.
The Middle East Council on Global Affairs, Qatar
The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) is an independent, non-profit policy research institution based in Doha, Qatar. The ME Council conducts policy-relevant research, convenes meetings and dialogues, and engages policy actors on geopolitical and socio-economic issues facing the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The ME Council strives to serve as a bridge between the MENA region and the rest of the world by providing a regional perspective on global policy issues and establishing partnerships with other leading research centers and development organizations across the MENA region and the world. The ME Council’s research and activities aim to address and inform regional and international policy discussions, and engage governments, diplomats, businesses, civil society, the media, and academia in three key areas: Foreign Policy and Security, Governance and Development, and Conflict and Transitions.
Korea-Arab Society (KAS), Korea
Korea-Arab Society (KAS) was established in 2008 to enhance mutual understanding between Korea and the 22 Arab countries which are members of the Arab League. Its vision is to become an effective communication channel between Korea and Arab countries.
KAS is actively seeking ways to increase opportunities for cultural exchanges between the two regions by organizing events such as 'Korea-Arab Friendship Caravan', 'Arab Cultural Festival', ‘Korea-Arab Startup Pitch Competition’ and ‘Korea-Arab Food Security Forum’. Also, KAS supports people-to-people exchange of students and business people and works on projects that enable both Koreans and Arabs to gain a better understanding in a whole spectrum of fields including politics, economy, arts, and science.
Jeju Peace Institute (JPI), Korea
The Jeju Peace Institute (JPI) specializes in researching peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia. Additionally, JPI hosts the annual Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity (formerly known as the Jeju Peace Forum), bringing together prominent leaders, scholars, and experts from across the world.
Established in 2006 with joint funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, JPI stands out from numerous research institutes in Northeast Asia that study their countries’ national interests by focusing on the common interests of the region. JPI is dedicated to creative research, publications, and conferences, all aimed at fostering peace and cooperation in Northeast Asia.