Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to Japan, visited Japan for official talks from April 13 to 16, 2025. During his visit, he led the UAE delegation at the second ministerial meeting of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He also held a series of bilateral meetings with key Japanese government officials and private sector representatives, with the UAE Ambassador to Japan, Shihab Ahmed Al Fahim, present.
Dr. Al Jaber met with Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, to express his gratitude for the growing and strong partnership between the UAE and Japan under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. The two reviewed progress on ongoing joint projects, programs, and initiatives, and discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in a variety of fields of shared interest. The ministerial meeting also featured presentations from working groups in key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and industry.
In addition to the meeting with Iwaya, Dr. Al Jaber held discussions with Yoji Muto, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary. He also met with members of the Japanese Parliament. Conversations focused on enhancing economic ties in sectors like trade, investment, energy, renewable energy, and advanced technology, with an emphasis on fostering sustainable economic growth in both nations.
Dr. Al Jaber met with CEOs from prominent Japanese companies, including the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mitsui, INPEX, JERA, and Mitsubishi, to explore strengthening existing collaborations and discovering new opportunities between the private sectors of both countries.
During his visit, ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company) announced the signing of a 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Mitsui & Co. for the supply of up to 0.6 million tonnes per annum of LNG from its lower-carbon Ruwais LNG project. This deal underscores the UAE-Japan energy partnership and ADNOC’s role in enhancing energy security by providing cleaner fuel sources.
Additionally, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry welcomed the low-carbon ammonia produced by Fertiglobe and supplied by ADNOC. The ammonia, certified as low-carbon through carbon capture and storage in Abu Dhabi, will be used to generate clean electricity with the world’s first fully ammonia-powered turbine in Japan.
In terms of trade, the total value of commerce between the two countries reached approximately USD 49.6 billion in 2024, including oil-related products, while non-oil trade stood at about USD 17.5 billion, showing a modest increase of 1.2% compared to 2023. The UAE continues to be Japan’s top trading partner among GCC countries, accounting for 52% of Japan’s exports to the region. Japan ranks as the UAE’s ninth-largest global trading partner.
