Japan seeks greater Mideast role to keep US engaged in Asia

Abe boosts economic and defense ties with key oil supplier UAE

0501N Abe and Crown Prince in UAE for N02

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, left, and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discuss stronger ties in defense, agriculture and financial technology. (Pool photo)

SHUNSUKE SHIGETA, Nikkei staff writer

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates -- Japan and the United Arab Emirates pledged closer cooperation on defense and economic matters on Monday as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met here with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

Abe and Sheikh Mohammed, who doubles as deputy supreme commander of the UAE's armed forces, said in a joint statement they intend to cooperate on 12 fronts including security, technology and agriculture. Abe met with the crown prince for roughly an hour -- their fourth meeting in all and first since 2014 -- as part of a Middle Eastern tour.

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