Japan and South Korea Strengthen Cooperation on Oil and LNG

Japan and South Korea have agreed to deepen cooperation on energy security in response to rising tensions in the Middle East and concerns over supply disruptions.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced after talks in Andong that they would expand coordination on oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. The plans include the creation of joint reserves and potential swap agreements for petroleum products.

The two leaders also reaffirmed closer security cooperation with the United States, particularly in response to North Korea and growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

According to Yi Chemyong, new defense talks at the vice-ministerial level mark a significant step toward building a more stable security partnership.

The meeting was the sixth summit between the two leaders since the South Korean president took office. Both countries are also seeking to move beyond historical disputes, with increasing cooperation in areas such as economic security, technology and artificial intelligence.

The warming ties were underscored by a joint cultural programme and a state banquet featuring Korean and Japanese cuisine.

(reuters, max)