The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has assured South Korea of prioritized crude oil supply, securing a total of 24 million barrels from the Gulf nation. Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, conveyed this commitment after his UAE visit amidst global energy market concerns due to ongoing tensions involving the U.S., Israel, Iran, and Tehran’s retaliatory actions.
South Korea is now set to receive 24 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE, including an initial agreement for 6 million barrels. Additionally, around 3,000 out of 3,500 South Korean nationals on short-term stays in the UAE have safely returned home.
President Lee Jae Myung expressed gratitude to Japan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia for their assistance in evacuating South Korean nationals from the Middle East amid escalating tensions. In a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Lee appreciated Japan’s support in evacuating South Koreans and their family members to Tokyo on chartered flights, highlighting the close coordination between the two nations.
