UAE Assures Priority Crude Oil Supply to South Korea Amid Middle East Tensions
South Korea Secures 24 Million Barrels of Oil from UAE
Seoul, March 18: The United Arab Emirates has assured South Korea of priority access to crude oil supplies, as concerns over global energy stability intensify due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to President Lee Jae Myung, confirmed that South Korea has secured a total of 24 million barrels of crude oil from the UAE. The announcement followed his recent visit to the Gulf nation, where energy cooperation was a key focus.
UAE Commits ‘Top Priority’ Status to South Korea
According to Kang, the UAE has explicitly committed to placing South Korea at the forefront of its crude oil supply chain."The UAE clearly promised us that no other country would receive crude oil before South Korea, and that we are the No. 1 priority in terms of its oil supply," he stated during a media briefing.
The total secured volume includes a previously agreed shipment of 6 million barrels, reinforcing the bilateral energy partnership at a critical time for global oil markets.
Evacuation Efforts Intensify as Regional Conflict Continues
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, approximately 3,000 out of 3,500 South Korean nationals who were staying short-term in the UAE have safely returned home, according to officials.The developments come as the conflict involving U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory measures enters its third week, contributing to volatility in the region.
South Korea Expresses Gratitude to Key Partners
President Lee Jae Myung has reached out to leaders of Japan, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, expressing appreciation for their support in evacuating South Korean nationals from affected areas.In a letter to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Lee thanked Japan for facilitating the evacuation of 16 South Koreans along with their family members on chartered flights to Tokyo.
The South Korean government also highlighted reciprocal cooperation, noting that Japanese nationals were transported from Saudi Arabia to South Korea aboard a South Korean military aircraft, reflecting coordinated bilateral efforts during the crisis.
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