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Japan’s Prime Minister arrived to the UAE on Monday as part of a wider tour of the Gulf.

Shinzo Abe travelled to Abu Dhabi from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is also scheduled to visit Oman this week.

Mr Abe was welcomed at the Presidential Flight terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman and chief executive of Adnoc Group, along with a number of senior government officials.

Prime Minister Abe arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was welcomed by the UAE officials. In Abu Dhabi, the Prime Minister will meet Crown Prince Mohammed and other members of the government. #PMnAction #AbeVisit pic.twitter.com/L49ttrkr74— PM’s Office of Japan (@JPN_PMO) January 13, 2020

He is expected to meet Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at Qasr Al Watan in the country’s capital.

The two leaders will review the latest regional developments and potential for increased collaboration between the two countries.

The UAE and Japan already enjoy strong and broad co-operation, under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative, but energy ties are particularly critical.

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The UAE is the second largest exporter of crude oil to Japan after Saudi Arabia. In 2017, Japan imported Dh57.3 billion worth of oil from the UAE, according to the Japan External Trade Organisation.

Mr Abe last visited the UAE in April 2018, when he spent two days visiting the Founder’s Memorial and Wahat Al Karama, and attending the Japan-UAE Business Forum in Abu Dhabi.

During the visit, the two countries agreed to increase trade in areas including renewable energy, advanced robots, artificial intelligence and health care.

More recently, in October last year, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, met Mr Abe in Tokyo.

Sheikh Hazza conveyed the greetings of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and their wishes for Japan to achieve further progress and prosperity.Updated: January 13, 2020 05:14 PM