Japan, UAE Agree to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

Abu Dhabi, April 30 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed on Monday that Japan and the United Arab Emirates will expand bilateral cooperation in areas such as energy, medical care, space development and defense. At their meeting in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, Abe told Sheikh Mohamed that his country wants to further strengthen its strategic partnership with the UAE in a wide range of fields. Abe expressed his gratitude for the support that enabled a Japanese company to win a 40-year extension of its interest in an oil concession off Abu Dhabi. A joint statement issued after the meeting called for an expansion of joint projects between Japan and the UAE in oil and gas development. Japan relies on the UAE for one-fourth of its crude oil supply. Japan and the UAE signed a bilateral treaty on the protection of private-sector investment. The move comes as the UAE is eager to invite more Japanese investment in areas such as renewable energy, seawater desalination, medical equipment and aerospace. Sheikh Mohamed told Abe that the UAE wants to deepen cooperation with Japan in defense and other new fields. The leaders agreed to promote defense cooperation including in procurement of transport aircraft and other equipment. At a Japan-UAE economic forum held in Abu Dhabi under the sponsorship of the Japan External Trade Organization, Abe promoted Japanese fruits. In a speech at the forum, Abe said relations between Japan and the UAE have developed into a stage that can be described as strategic. END