UAE, Japan Launch Talks to Reach Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed  Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)
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UAE, Japan Launch Talks to Reach Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed  Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)
This handout picture provided by the UAE Presidential Court shows UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan bidding farewell to the Egyptian foreign minister after their meeting during the latter's visit, at Shati Palace in Abu Dhabi on September 8, 2024. (Photo by Ryan CARTER / UAE PRESIDENTIAL COURT / AFP)

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Wednesday that relations between the UAE and Japan are built on a long history of strategic cooperation across various fields.

He expressed hope that these ties will be further bolstered by the launch of talks towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will foster new avenues for collaboration and support the sustainable economic growth of both nations and their people.

The launch of the talks reflects a mutual commitment to elevate the two countries’ relationship to new levels of cooperation, said the President. He noted that, by facilitating investment and supporting innovation, the agreement will play an important role in the nation’s economic diversification efforts, while also providing more opportunities for collaboration between the business communities of both countries.

In a post on his X account, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the significance of the commencement of CEPA negotiations

“I expect that the conclusion of an ambitious, balanced, and comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the UAE, in addition to the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, whose negotiations will proceed in parallel with the Japan-UAE negotiations, will contribute to the strengthening of economic relations and other fields between the two countries,” he said.



Italy, Albania, UAE Sign Deal for Energy Subsea Interconnection

People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025.  EPA/ALI HAIDER
People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER
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Italy, Albania, UAE Sign Deal for Energy Subsea Interconnection

People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025.  EPA/ALI HAIDER
People visit the World Future Energy Summit 2025 (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14 January 2025. EPA/ALI HAIDER

Italy, Albania and the United Arab Emirates signed on Wednesday a deal worth at least 1 billion euros ($1 billion) to build a subsea interconnection for renewable energy across the Adriatic Sea.

"We strongly believe in this project involving our three governments, as well as our private sector and grid operators," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said as she announced the deal at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

The three-way partnership, which aims to produce green power in Albania and export it to Italy through underwater cables, will involve Italian grid operator Terna and UAE's National Energy Company (Taqa), Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said.

The Albanian premier added that the infrastructure would connect the Albanian port of Vlore to the southern Italian region of Puglia, the narrowest point between the two countries, and was expected to be operational within a maximum of three years.