The state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation on Sunday signed a $3 billion loan to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, also known as ADNOC, in a move to strengthen Japan 's energy security, the trade and industry ministry said in a statement.

"This loan will support ADNOC's oil exploration projects, strengthen the relationship between
Abu Dhabi and Japan in the field of oil exploration, and help maintain and expand our national oil interests in Abu Dhabi ," the ministry said.

JBIC and three major Japanese banks--The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho Corporate Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation--will extend the $3 billion loan to ADNOC, which is run by
United Arab Emirates .

This is the third time for the JBIC to grant loans to the state-owned oil company.
The bank previously made $3 billion loans in both 2007 and 2010.