Executive Director meets with Prime Minister Takaichi of Japan on energy security and cooperation

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol met bilaterally with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan in Tokyo today to discuss the situation in global energy markets and how Japan and the IEA can deepen cooperation in support of energy security across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Against the backdrop of the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, Dr Birol thanked Prime Minister Takaichi for Japan’s steadfast support for the IEA’s work and leadership on international energy security matters, including the historic release of emergency oil stocks the Agency has coordinated this year in response to the disruptions to flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

In Tokyo, Dr Birol also met with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa. They spoke about the latest global oil and gas market developments and efforts to strengthen energy security and affordability across Asia-Pacific and other regions. Dr Birol commended Minister Akazawa on Japan's contributions through the POWERR Asia Initiative to enhancing regional energy security, including by supporting the expansion of oil stockpiling capacity among countries in Southeast Asia. And he welcomed Japan's new POWER GX energy policy package, which seeks to facilitate the diversification of energy supplies.

In a separate meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Toshimitsu Motegi, the Executive Director discussed global energy geopolitics and the challenges facing energy markets, along with the need for stronger regional cooperation to enhance energy security and resilience across Asia-Pacific.

During the visit, Dr Birol had several other meetings with energy industry leaders and prominent Japanese figures, including former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.