Arab News Japan

TOKYO: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan will pay a state visit to Japan from Feb. 8 to 10, Japan’s Foreign Ministry officially announced on Tuesday.

During his stay in Japan, President Al-Nahyan will make a state call on Emperor Naruhito, who will host a state banquet in honor of the President. 

Japanese Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae will hold a meeting with the President and host a dinner.

The Foreign Ministry stated that relations between Japan and the United Arab Emirates will be further strengthened through the visit to Japan by President Al-Nahyan, who has visited Japan five times in the past, two of them as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Japan depends significantly on UAE crude oil for its energy needs. In October, the UAE provided 34.35 million barrels, which accounted for 46.5 percent of Japan’s total imports. It is expected that during the visit, the leaders will sign agreements on various issues including space and renewable energy projects.