Page 252 - 2020 Defence White Paper

between the ROK and the UAE, the Akh Unit has contributed in advancing the
relationship between the two countries into a "special strategic partnership". In June
2020, the rotation between the 16th and 17th contigents of the Akh Unit took place in
the midst of the global spread of COVID-19, by utilizing the KC-330 Cygnus, a Multi
Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which was introduced at the end of 2019 for the first
time among overseas deployment troops. This made it possible to reduce rotational
costs, and improve mission execution conditions through the transport of munitions
and firearms. Since the deployment of the Akh Unit, the ROK and the UAE have
strengthened military confidence between the two countries by engaging in active
exchanges and cooperation such as special warfare exercises and mutual visits by
delegations in the Army, Navy, and Air Force in the f eld of cyber and logistics. Major
activities of the Akh Unit are listed in [Chart 6-12].

[Chart 6-12] Major Activities of Akh Unit
(As of November 2020)

• Contribution to the development of the UAE Armed Forces by improving their
Enhancement of UAE special warfare operations execution capabilities
Forces’ Capabilities
• Improvement of the education and training system of the UAE Armed Forces
• Utilization of the cutting edge facilities and equipment of the UAE to enhance
special operations capabilities
Enhancement of ROK’s • Exercises to enhance survivability under harsh conditions (high temperature
Military Capabilities above 50°C, desert)
• Long-range firing exercise, High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) exercise, and
mountain warfare exercise
• UAE observation of major ROK exercises and participation in ROK–UAE
combined exercises
• Exchange of officers for consignment education by each service of the ROK–UAE
Expansion of Defense Armed Forces
Exchanges • Medical cooperation including the treatment of UAE military patients and families
at ROK civilian hospitals
• Establishment of a defense diplomacy hub in the Middle East that covers
cooperation for defense exports

4. Expansion and Development of the Foundation for Peacekeeping
Operations

Hosting the UN Peacekeeping The "UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Con-
Ministerial Conference ference", scheduled to be held in the ROK in
2021, is expected to serve as an important
opportunity for the ROK, as a country that leads world peace, to strengthen its
contribution to the international community. The proposal to hold the next
conference in the ROK was made at the 3rd Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference
which was held at the UN Headquarters in March 2019. Furthermore, during

2020 Defense White Paper