Press Releases
Meeting between Foreign Minister MOTEGI and H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates to Japan
March 5, 2026
On March 5, commencing at 11:35 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy of the United Arab Emirates to Japan, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
- The two sides confirmed the conclusion of the negotiations for Japan-United Arab Emirates (UAE) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), for which the launch of negotiations was announced between the Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the UAE in September 2024. They also concurred to continue cooperating towards the signing of this agreement between the two countries.
- Both Ministers also held a candid exchange of views regarding the current situation in the Middle East surrounding Iran. Minister Motegi stated that Japan is seriously concerned about the deterioration of the situation and conveyed Japan’s consistent position that Iran’s development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed. Minister Motegi also stated that Japan has been strongly urging Iran to cease actions that destabilize the region, including the development of nuclear weapons and attacks on neighboring countries, and to pursue a diplomatic resolution.
- Furthermore, Minister Motegi noted that Iranian attacks have also targeted diplomatic facilities as well as civilian facilities, including energy facilities, in the neighboring countries, resulting in civilian casualties, and that Iran mentioned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and that civilian vessels have actually been attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters. Minister Motegi stated that under such circumstances Japan condemns Iran's actions that destabilize the region.
- Minister Motegi further expressed Japan’s intention to coordinate and cooperate with the UAE in ensuring the stable supply of energy, the safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the safety of Japanese nationals in the region. Minister Jaber expressed the UAE’s intention to coordinate with Japan for the safety of the Strait of Hormuz and to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals.
- Both ministers concurred to continue to utilize the CSPI framework to further strengthen coordination in various fields which will serve as the foundation for the future cooperation between the two countries, including the AI and the space sectors.