Turning to the president's Middle East diplomacy tour...
President Park Geun-hye spent her final day in Abu Dhabi meeting with Korean troops.
And it's the first time Korea's top commander has visited a military vessel deployed overseas.
Choi You-sun files this report from the UAE.
Wearing a khaki-colored Navy jumper, President Park Geun-hye spent her final day in Abu Dhabi visiting Korean military personnel dispatched to the region.
The Cheonghae anti-piracy unit has been patrolling the Gulf of Aden since 2009, while the Abu Dhabi-based Ark military unit has been providing UAE troops anti-terrorism and other types of training for the past four years.
From a senior chief petty officer who participated in Korea's successful rescue mission against Somali pirates in 2011, to an officer dispatched to the region for the fourth time,... the president praised the troops for their hard work and making Korea proud.
"I sincerely praise all of you for weathering the heat and overcoming challenges to do all the best you can for the country and the Korean people, far away from home."
President Park also met some 30 Korean medical personnel dispatched to four hospitals in the UAE as part of bilateral collaboration in the field.
While highlighting Korea's internationally-recognized medical and health care system, the president listened to their views on how the Korean medical community can gain successful footing overseas.
"President Park now heads to Qatar, the final destination on her Middle East tour. There, the president plans to seek support for Korean participation in Doha's infrastructure preparations for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Choi You-sun, Arirang News, Abu Dhabi."
