UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will not be visiting Japan from Sunday, his nation told the Japanese government. © Reuters
February 3, 2026 15:59 JST
TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Japanese government said Tuesday a planned visit later this month by the president of the United Arab Emirates will be postponed due to developments in the Middle East.
The UAE has informed Japan of its intention to delay President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s trip to Japan for three days from Sunday, the government said. The UAE is a key oil supplier to resource-poor Japan.
Concern has grown that the United States could stage a military intervention in Iran in response to Tehran’s crackdown on anti-government protests. The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln has been deployed to the region.
Announcing the postponement at a regular press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said rescheduling arrangements are taking place but did not provide a specific date.
“The government intends to continue advancing cooperation with the UAE across a wide range of fields under our comprehensive strategic partnership,” said Kihara, the government’s top spokesman.
The countries are negotiating an economic partnership agreement.
The president was scheduled to hold meetings with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his stay, according to the Japanese government.
AloJapan.com