Tokyo: Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to Japan, visited Japan from April 13 to 16, 2025, to chair the UAE side at the second ministerial meeting of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit included several bilateral meetings with Japanese government officials and private sector partners, attended by Shihab Ahmed Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber met with Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, to discuss the strong and evolving relationship between the UAE and Japan. The meeting focused on joint projects, programmes, and initiatives, and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and industry.
The visit included bilateral meetings with Yuki Moto, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Chief Cabinet Secretary, and members of the Japanese Parliament. Discussions centered on economic cooperation in sectors such as renewable energy, advanced technology, and industry to promote sustainable economic growth in both countries.
Dr. Sultan Al Jaber also met with CEOs from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mitsui, INPEX, JERA, and Mitsubishi to discuss strengthening partnerships and exploring new collaboration opportunities between the two countries' private sectors.
During the visit, ADNOC announced a 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement with Mitsui and Co. for the supply of up to 0.6 million tonnes per annum of LNG from its lower-carbon Ruwais LNG project. This agreement reinforces the UAE-Japan energy partnership and ADNOC's commitment to energy security with cleaner fuel sources.
Additionally, the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry welcomed the low-carbon ammonia produced by Fertiglobe and supplied by ADNOC. Enabled by carbon capture and storage in Abu Dhabi, this ammonia will supply Japan with clean electricity using the world's first fully ammonia-powered turbine.
In 2024, the total trade volume between the UAE and Japan reached about US$49.6 billion, including oil-related products. Non-oil trade amounted to approximately USD17.5 billion, marking a 1.2% growth compared to 2023. The UAE remains Japan's top trading partner among GCC countries, receiving 52% of Japan's GCC exports, while Japan is the UAE's 9th largest global trading partner.