Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura visited Saudi Arabia and Oman in the Middle East for three days until the 27th.
He emphasized that amidst the tight global energy supply and demand situation, the two countries will work to strengthen ties through measures such as expanding investment, and take all possible measures to ensure energy security.
On the 25th and 26th of this month, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura visited Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, which is Japan's largest importer of crude oil.
In the midst of this, I held talks with Energy Minister Abdul Aziz and shared the recognition that it is important to work together toward stabilizing international crude oil prices amid tight energy supply and demand.
In addition, a forum for expanding business between the two countries will be held in conjunction with this time, and executives of major Japanese trading companies and start-up companies will accelerate investment in AI (artificial intelligence) and decarbonization-related technology development. expressed.
Furthermore, in Muscat, the capital of Oman, which I visited on the 27th, a major Japanese trading company and an electric power company will newly import 2.35 million tons of LNG (liquefied natural gas) annually over a period of about 10 years from 2025. He also announced that he has signed a long-term contract.
After a series of schedules, Minister Nishimura held a press conference, stating, "Both countries are extremely important countries for the stable supply of crude oil and natural gas and for Japan's energy security, so I would like to strengthen cooperation in a wide range of industrial fields." He also emphasized that he will take all possible measures to ensure energy security while strengthening relations with Middle Eastern countries.