Canberra, May 04 (V7N) — Amid growing disruptions to global trade due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Australia and Japan have agreed to strengthen cooperation on energy security and critical mineral resources.

The decision came after a meeting between Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Canberra.

Speaking after the meeting, Albanese said both countries are committed to working closely to মোক future economic shocks and uncertainties caused by global instability. He emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation to ensure energy resilience.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi highlighted that the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz is significantly affecting the Indo-Pacific region. She stressed that Tokyo and Canberra will remain in close and urgent communication to respond effectively to the evolving situation.

Australia is currently the largest supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Japan, while Japan provides around 7 percent of Australia’s diesel imports—underscoring the mutual dependence between the two economies.

Both countries aim to enhance their crisis-response capacity to maintain stable energy supplies. According to the International Energy Agency, nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes through the Strait of Hormuz, with around 80 percent destined for Asian markets.

Tensions have intensified after Iran imposed strict controls on shipping in the strait following recent US and Israeli actions, raising concerns over global energy security and supply chains.

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