Press Conference by the Prime Minister regarding His Telephone Talk with H. H. General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces

 
 
(On his telephone talk with H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces)
 
A short while ago, I had a telephone talk with His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE. We confirmed that the UAE, a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and Japan will closely cooperate in responding to the situation in Ukraine. We also exchanged views on how to respond to the soaring crude oil prices. I called for the UAE to make further proactive contribution as a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). We also confirmed that we will work together for the stabilization of the global crude oil market. In a major milestone for our bilateral relationship, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE. On this occasion, we agreed that we will work closely together to further strengthen cooperation not only in the energy sector, but also in a wide range of other areas.
 
(On how Japan will work with the UAE over the upcoming developments in the Russian situation)
 
The UAE abstained from a vote on a resolution at the UN Security Council, but voted for another resolution at the UN General Assembly. Based on such UAE’s position, we confirmed to closely cooperate down the road. As the presence of the UAE is significant for the stability of the energy market, I expressed my intention to cooperate with the UAE, and we confirmed our cooperation. I look back on this telephone talk as a meaningful one in this regard.
 
 (On whether the Prime Minister urged the UAE to increase crude oil production during the telephone talk)
 
Let me refrain from going into details, but we exchanged views on various issues related to the soaring crude oil prices. And although I refrain from giving details, I believe that we at least confirmed that we will work together toward the stabilization of global prices. I hope that we will maintain close communication in various ways, and Japan is even keener to cooperate with the UAE, who will be serving as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for two years starting this year.