World · Middle East · 13 hrs ago
Japan says cooperation with Saudi Arabia is vital for global energy security
Japan’s economy minister, Ryosei Akazawa, said Saudi Arabia is an essential partner for global energy security.
He spoke by video at the International Energy Forum’s 17th ministerial meeting, hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Asian countries get about 60% of their crude oil from the Middle East, making regional disruptions a concern for their energy supplies.
Akazawa also expressed condolences for victims of recent attacks on Riyadh and said Japan stands with Saudi Arabia.
He said Japan has begun drawing on its oil reserves and joined coordinated International Energy Agency actions that involved releasing more than 400 million barrels from reserves.
Japan is also working to improve oil storage in Asia, coordinate emergency responses and strengthen ties between Middle Eastern producers and Asian countries.
Akazawa said no country can secure stable energy supplies alone, and that cooperation between producers and consumers is needed amid uncertainty and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Japan will continue working with other countries to support energy security and stable supplies.
Japan’s economy minister said cooperation with Saudi Arabia is vital to global energy security.
Ryosei Akazawa described Saudi Arabia as a reliable, indispensable partner in maintaining stable oil supplies to world markets.
He spoke by video at the 17th International Energy Forum ministerial meeting and expressed Japan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia after recent attacks on Riyadh.
Akazawa said Asian countries rely on the Middle East for about 60% of their crude oil needs.
He said Japan had drawn on its oil reserves and joined International Energy Agency efforts involving more than 400 million barrels of oil stock withdrawals.
- Who
- Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ryosei Akazawa spoke about cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
- What
- He said cooperation with Saudi Arabia and other energy-producing and consuming countries is vital to global energy security.
- When
- He spoke at the 17th International Energy Forum ministerial meeting. The article was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- The meeting’s location is not stated. Akazawa addressed it by video.
- Why
- Middle East disruptions and maritime tensions have affected energy markets, while Asian countries depend heavily on oil supplies from the region.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Saudi Arabia is an indispensable and reliable partner in ensuring global energy security
Ensuring stable energy supplies cannot be achieved by one country alone
Attacks on Riyadh took place, and Akazawa offered condolences to those affected.
Akazawa addressed the 17th International Energy Forum ministerial meeting by video.
Japan initiated withdrawals from its oil reserves and contributed to coordinated International Energy Agency efforts involving more than 400 million barrels of oil stock withdrawals.
- Speaker
- Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s economy, trade and industry minister
- Meeting
- 17th International Energy Forum ministerial meeting
- Asia’s crude oil needs
- About 60% supplied by the Middle East
- Coordinated oil stock withdrawals
- More than 400 million barrels in International Energy Agency efforts
- Recent attacks
- Riyadh
Sources
Related news
Australian engineer Robert Pether leaves Iraq after more than five years in detention
Projectile hits Riyadh airport terminal in second attack in two days
Attack injures several people and halts operations at Riyadh airport
Bus-truck crash in western Turkey kills 11 and injures 27
Netanyahu calls for probe into anonymous sources in Gaza documentary
Two killed and four injured in vehicle crash near Antalya
Riyadh airport hit again as Houthis warn airlines to avoid Saudi airspace
Two Indian sailors missing after tanker hit off Oman
Houthi attack on Riyadh airport kills 12 and injures 309
Mauritania condemns attack on King Khalid Airport
Saudi Arabia signs energy cooperation pacts with Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt
