The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan concluded their second ministerial meeting under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework this week. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to Japan, led a high-level delegation during an official working visit to Japan from April 13 to 16, 2025.

A significant outcome of the visit was the announcement by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of a landmark 15-year Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Mitsui & Co. Under this agreement, ADNOC will supply up to 0.6 million tonnes per annum of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from its lower-carbon Ruwais LNG project. This agreement reinforces the long-standing energy partnership between the UAE and Japan and underscores ADNOC’s commitment to supporting global energy security through the provision of reliable and cleaner fuel sources.

In another significant development, the Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry officially welcomed the low-carbon ammonia produced by Fertiglobe and supplied by ADNOC. This certified low-carbon ammonia, enabled by carbon capture and storage technology in Abu Dhabi, is poised to supply Japan with clean electricity using the world’s first fully ammonia-powered turbine, marking a crucial step towards a sustainable energy future.

During his visit, Dr. Al Jaber engaged in a series of crucial bilateral meetings with key Japanese government officials and prominent private sector leaders. These discussions, attended by Shihab Ahmed Al Fahim, the UAE Ambassador to Japan, focused on reviewing the progress of ongoing joint projects, programmes, and initiatives, while also exploring new avenues to expand collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

A significant highlight of the visit was the second ministerial meeting of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, co-chaired by Dr. Al Jaber and his Japanese counterparts. Working groups presented their outcomes in vital sectors including trade, investment, energy, and industry, demonstrating tangible progress in the implementation of the partnership's objectives.

Dr. Al Jaber held a productive meeting with Japan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Takeshi Iwaya, where he expressed his appreciation for the strong and evolving relationship between the two nations within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The discussions centered on updates regarding joint initiatives and explored opportunities to further enhance bilateral cooperation across diverse fields.

The visit also facilitated crucial engagements with the private sector. Dr. Al Jaber met with the CEOs of leading Japanese entities including the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Mitsui & Co., INPEX, JERA, and Mitsubishi. These discussions aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and identifying new areas for collaboration between the UAE and Japanese private sectors, fostering innovation and economic diversification.