Japan-United Arab Emirates Relations
Mr. ISHIBA’s Visit to the United Arab Emirates, as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister
January 17, 2026
Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Japan and Chairman of the Japan- United Arab Emirates (UAE) Parliamentary Friendship League, visited the UAE from January 15 to January 17. The overview of the visit is as follows:
- On January 15, Special Envoy ISHIBA paid a courtesy call on His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed AL-NAHYAN, President of the United Arab Emirates and handed over a letter from Prime Minister TAKAICHI. Special Envoy ISHIBA stated that His Highness the President’s state visit to Japan scheduled in February will mark a new chapter in the history of bilateral relations, which spans over 50 years. He expressed the hope that the state visit will elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries to even greater heights.
- On the same day, Special Envoy ISHIBA held a meeting with His Excellency Saqr Bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council and exchanged views on further advancing bilateral relations, building on the opportunity presented by His Highness the President’s state visit to Japan in February. The two sides held a candid exchange of views on regional and international situations, including recent developments in the Middle East.
- In addition, during his stay, Special Envoy ISHIBA visited Zayed Port and Abraham Family House, and exchanged views.