Japan Seeks Stronger G20 Action on Energy Security
Amid mounting uncertainty over global energy supplies linked to the Middle East situation, Japan has urged G20 members to expand their oil reserves and preserve free and transparent energy trade.
Japan has also outlined plans to prepare a comprehensive economic and energy cooperation framework with Gulf nations. The aim is to bolster energy security through closer engagement.
Speaking on Friday at a session on energy and economic development during the G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi put forward these proposals.
An official Japanese Foreign Ministry release said Motegi emphasized the importance of international coordination to address instability in energy supplies. He also underlined the need to deepen cooperation between energy-producing and energy-consuming countries.
The session considered the energy crisis that has emerged in the wake of Middle East developments, along with broader concerns about global energy security.
Motegi identified three priorities. They are maintaining free and transparent energy trade, reinforcing oil storage through international coordination, and boosting cooperation between producers and consumers.
He pointed out that G20 countries, which account for more than 80 percent of global GDP and energy consumption, bear a shared responsibility for tackling the crisis. Close coordination among members, he said, is necessary.
In outlining the Gulf plan, Japan did not specify a timeframe, financial commitments, or the countries expected to participate.
Motegi said the initiative is part of Japan's wider strategy to deepen connections between Middle Eastern oil producers and Asian consumers. Japan intends to take an active role through cooperation in energy supply, storage, and infrastructure development.
He also reviewed Japan's ongoing work to expand oil storage capacity in Asia. He noted Japan's financial and technical participation in building seawater desalination and LNG liquefaction facilities across the Middle East.
He added that broadening these efforts would strengthen global energy security.
Motegi presented Japan's current 'Power Asia' initiative as an important element of its response to energy supply instability. The programme seeks to guarantee urgent energy supplies, reinforce regional oil storage arrangements in the medium and long term, and diversify energy sources.
According to Japan, Asian economies are being hit especially hard by supply instability. The initiative therefore focuses on meeting current needs while preparing sturdier energy storage systems for the future.
Japan's statement did not include any new energy allocation or special project for India.
The Power Asia initiative was introduced in April of this year. At the Atlanta meeting, Motegi referred to efforts being advanced under it. He framed his remarks as a renewed commitment to an ongoing programme, not the launch of a new scheme.
Motegi urged all G20 members to increase mutual coordination to ensure stable energy supplies and said Japan is committed to contributing to this goal.
He described the G20 as a leading platform for international economic cooperation, with a key role in bringing members together to address energy supply challenges. Japan's proposals in the second session prioritized storage, diversification, and producer-consumer partnerships, addressing both immediate energy needs and long-term security.