South Korea has secured a commitment from the United Arab Emirates to treat Seoul as its top priority for crude oil exports, a senior presidential aide announced, as Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to threaten global energy supply chains.
The agreement covers at least 24 million barrels of emergency crude oil, providing a critical buffer for a country that depends on the strait for roughly 70% of its oil imports. With Tehran's closure of the primary shipping lane posing a severe risk to South Korea's energy supply and broader economy, Seoul has simultaneously faced pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to contribute warships and personnel to an international naval coalition to escort tankers.
A Diplomatic Bypass On Energy Security
Rather than joining the U.S.-led naval effort, South Korea pursued a separate track of quiet bilateral diplomacy with the UAE, one of the Gulf's largest oil producers. The result was a formal pledge granting Seoul first-priority status for crude oil exports, allowing South Korea to place additional orders at any time and to guarantee preferential access to supply.
The deal was secured through a four-day unannounced visit to the UAE by Kang Hoon-sik, chief of staff to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung. Kang conducted multiple rounds of diplomatic talks to reach the agreement, meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to deliver a personal letter from Lee.
In addition to a previously contracted 6 million barrels, the UAE has pledged to deliver an additional 18 million barrels to South Korea. Six million barrels will be transported aboard three UAE-flagged vessels, with the remaining 12 million barrels carried by six South Korean tankers. A shipment of naphtha, a key petrochemical feedstock, is already en route to South Korea on an accelerated schedule to help ease an emerging shortage in the domestic petrochemical industry.
A Strategic Partnership That Made The Deal Possible
South Korea's ability to secure preferential treatment from Abu Dhabi reflects years of deepening bilateral ties. Beyond commercial trade and investment, South Korea is a key supplier of air defense systems to the UAE. The two countries signed a landmark investment agreement valued at $65 billion in February, providing a foundation of mutual strategic interest that Seoul could draw on during the crisis.
During his visit, Kang also provided an update on the evacuation of South Korean nationals from the region. He reported that approximately 3,000 of the 3,500 South Korean citizens temporarily staying in Gulf countries have been safely repatriated aboard government-chartered flights. （Related： Taiwan's Monthly Births Plummet to Record Low, Accelerating Demographic Crisis ｜ Latest ）
Original Article in Chinese
