South Korea and the United Arab Emirates addressed key topics to strengthen strategic cooperation in the energy sector. The talks focused on securing crude oil supply, joint infrastructure projects, and potential collaboration in nuclear energy.
Oil Supply and Search for New Routes
South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Musabbeh Al Kaabi, senior executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, to discuss the stable delivery of crude oil. The ministry reported that the import of 24 million barrels of crude oil secured from the Gulf country under the March agreement has proceeded smoothly.
The parties also discussed large-scale infrastructure projects to establish a new supply line bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. This topic stood out as part of efforts to reduce the pressure of geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East on energy supply chains.
Nuclear Energy and Support for Companies
Kim Jung-kwan also met with Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy. During this meeting, ways to carry out joint nuclear energy projects in third countries were evaluated.
Minister Kim also requested the UAE’s support and interest in the participation of South Korean companies in energy projects in the Middle East. The talks indicated that contacts between the two countries extend beyond commercial exchange, pointing to a broader strategic partnership.
Part of Regional Engagements
Kim Jung-kwan’s Middle East tour also includes Saudi Arabia and Qatar. South Korea is seeking to expand its partnership network in the region amid energy supply disruptions and global uncertainties.
For South Korea, which meets a large part of its energy needs through imports, engagements with the UAE are important not only for supply security but also for long-term industrial cooperation.
