West Asia war: UAE promises top-priority crude oil supply to South Korea

South Korea secures 24 million barrels of oil from UAE. Representational Image

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pledged to supply crude oil to South Korea on a top-priority basis, ensuring that no other country will receive oil ahead of South Korea, according to Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff.

In a briefing on Wednesday, after returning from his trip to the UAE, Kang confirmed that South Korea has secured a total of 24 million barrels of crude oil from the Gulf nation. This includes an earlier agreement for 6 million barrels, making the latest arrangement part of a broader effort to strengthen energy security.

Kang highlighted that the UAE's commitment comes amid concerns over global energy markets following the U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions, now entering their third week. He further added that they will be a No. 1 priority for UAE crude oil. "The UAE clearly promised us that no country would receive crude oil ahead of South Korea, and that we are the ‘No. 1 priority' in terms of its oil supply," Kang said.

The assurances from the UAE come against the backdrop of rising tensions in the region. The U.S.-Israel military action on Iran and Tehran's subsequent retaliatory strikes have raised global energy market concerns, making South Korea's secured oil supply particularly significant.

The UAE's promise of top-priority oil ensures South Korea's energy needs are met even amid regional instability.

Evacuation of South Korean nationals

Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, around 3,000 of the 3,500 South Korean nationals staying in the UAE on short-term visits have safely returned home, Kang added.

President Lee Jae Myung expressed his gratitude to other countries for helping South Koreans in the region. Letters were sent to the leaders of Japan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia thanking them for their cooperation in the evacuation process.

Appreciation to Japan

In his letter to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Lee specifically thanked Japan for assisting in evacuating 16 South Koreans and their family members of other nationalities to Tokyo on Japanese chartered flights last Wednesday and Friday.

Lee also praised the close coordination between the two countries as Japanese nationals were transported from Saudi Arabia to South Korea on a South Korean military aircraft, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.