UAE And Japan Enhance Bilateral Relations At Second Ministerial Meeting Of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, visited Japan from April 13 to 16, 2025. During this visit, he led the UAE delegation at the second ministerial meeting of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He also engaged in several bilateral discussions with Japanese officials and private sector leaders, accompanied by Shihab Ahmed Al Fahim, the UAE Ambassador to Japan.

Dr. Al Jaber met with Takeshi Iwaya, Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the robust relationship between their countries under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They reviewed progress on joint projects and initiatives while exploring new cooperation opportunities in various fields. The meeting also included updates on trade, investment, energy, and industry collaborations.

The visit featured discussions with Yuki Moto, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry; Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary; and Japanese Parliament members. These talks focused on enhancing economic cooperation in key sectors like trade, investment, energy, renewable energy, industry, and advanced technology. The aim was to foster sustainable economic growth for both nations.

During his stay in Japan, Dr. Al Jaber also met with CEOs from major companies such as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mitsui, INPEX, JERA, and Mitsubishi. These meetings aimed to strengthen existing partnerships and explore new collaboration areas between the two countries' private sectors.

ADNOC announced a significant agreement during this visit: a 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Mitsui & Co. This deal involves supplying up to 0.6 million tonnes per annum of LNG from ADNOC's lower-carbon Ruwais LNG project. This agreement reinforces the UAE-Japan energy partnership by providing reliable cleaner fuel sources.

The Japanese Minister of Economy officially welcomed low-carbon ammonia produced by Fertiglobe and supplied by ADNOC. This certified low-carbon ammonia is enabled by carbon capture and storage in Abu Dhabi. It will supply Japan with clean electricity using the world’s first fully ammonia-powered turbine.

Trade Volume Insights

The total trade volume between the UAE and Japan reached approximately USD49.6 billion in 2024 when including oil-related products. Non-oil trade amounted to about USD17.5 billion during this period, showing a slight growth of 1.2% compared to 2023 figures.

The UAE continues to be Japan’s top trading partner among GCC countries regarding imports and exports. It receives 52% of Japan’s exports to GCC nations while Japan ranks as the UAE’s ninth-largest global trading partner.

The visit underscored both nations' commitment to strengthening ties across various sectors while promoting sustainable growth through strategic partnerships.

With inputs from WAM