Presidential Chief of Staff Hoon-sik Kang visited the United Arab Emirates and agreed to secure an emergency shipment of 18 million barrels of crude oil, with both nations set to sign a memorandum of understanding on oil supply chain cooperation.
"We asked for continued attention to ensure Korean nationals staying in the UAE can live safely," Kang said, adding that Korea has strengthened its cooperation framework with the UAE on citizen safety matters.
Kang, who returned from the UAE visit as a special presidential envoy for strategic economic cooperation, said at a Cheong Wa Dae briefing: "The delegation discussed practical cooperation measures that can provide strength in times of crisis while further solidifying trust with the UAE, a longtime friend and key ally, amid the ongoing Middle East crisis."
Announcing the emergency oil supply agreement, Kang reported on developments: "Starting March 6, one week after the Middle East situation began, the UAE immediately lifted its airspace closure and UAE-flag carriers resumed direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Korea."
"On March 8, an Etihad Airways charter flight was arranged, and through swift repatriation support, approximately 3,000 of the 3,500 short-term Korean visitors in the UAE have safely returned home," Kang emphasized.
