KABUL (Pajhwok): Japan’s prime minister has warned that disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, amid rising tensions and conflict, have had an “enormous impact” on the Asia-Pacific region.
According to Al Jazeera, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Australia, where the two countries signed agreements to strengthen cooperation in energy and critical mineral resources.
International sources say about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, since the outbreak of conflict in late February, the route has faced serious disruption. Around 80 percent of this energy is exported to Asian countries.
The Japanese prime minister said the “closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had massive impacts on the Indo-Pacific region,” adding that Japan and Australia would work closely to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Anthony Albanese also expressed concern over disruptions to fuel and oil supplies.
According to the report, Australia supplies about one-third of Japan’s energy needs and is the largest exporter of liquefied natural gas to the country.
The two nations also signed agreements to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, including gallium, nickel, graphite and rare earth elements—materials essential for producing electronic chips, electric vehicle batteries and military equipment.
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