Japan pushes UAE to stabilize international oil supply amid Russian cut

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan has asked the UAE to help stabilize international crude oil supplies amid growing uncertainty due to the Ukraine war and measures against Russia.

In a phone call, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan that the UAE must make “proactive contributions” as a major oil producer, Kyodo News reported on Tuesday.

The Japanese premier said the two sides agreed to “coordinate closely toward stabilizing global crude oil markets.”

Global energy prices are rising as the US and its allies are blocking energy supplies from Russia after it launched war on its western neighbor on Feb. 24.

Although energy-deficient Japan has walked a cautious path on stopping energy imports from Moscow, it has imposed sanctions on President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials and financial institutions.

The call between Kishida, leader of a key US ally, and Al Nahyan comes amid reports that top officials of Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been giving US President Joe Biden the cold shoulder.

According to American news outlet Wall Street Journal, Al Nayhan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “both declined US requests” to speak to Biden “in recent weeks.”

- Export ban

Japan on Tuesday imposed a ban on exports of nearly 300 items and technologies to Russia and Belarus.

The ban is part of Tokyo’s sanctions on Moscow and aims to prevent the two countries “from boosting their military capabilities,” Kyodo News reported.

“The embargo on exports of 266 products, such as semiconductors, communication equipment and cutting-edge materials, and 26 technologies, including design programs for chip-making machines, will take effect on Friday,” the report quoted Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry as saying.

Exports of oil-refining equipment and related technologies to Russia will also be prohibited, the ministry added.

The Russia-Ukraine war has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.

At least 636 civilians have been killed and 1,125 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, the UN has said, stressing that conditions on the ground make it difficult to verify the true number.

Over 3 million people have also fled from Ukraine, according to UN estimates.