The UAE and Japan wrapped up talks for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) during a visit by the Industry and Advanced Technology Minister Sultan Al Jaber to Tokyo, according to a statement from Japan’s Foreign Ministry. The two countries kicked off talks for the trade agreement back in 2024.

Energy discussions were also on the table, with the current standstill in the Strait of Hormuz and its implications on Japan’s energy security featuring in the conversation. Al Jaber affirmed the UAE’s commitment to ensuring Japan’s oil supply, according to a separate statement, while Bloomberg quotes him as saying ahead of the meeting that “while your energy security continues to be our priority, we will not be able to do much if there is any distortion in the Strait of Hormuz.”

In context: Japan, along with much of Asia, relies heavily on crude imports from the Middle East. The effective closure of the Strait has forced countries like China to ban exports of crude and to begin lobbying Iran for safe passage.

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