Japan seeks to reduce Mid-East energy dependence with Russia’s help - minister

TOKYO, November 1. /TASS/. Tokyo is determined to get rid of excessive dependence on the Middle East energy resources by developing relations with Russia, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Hiroshige Seko, who is charge with relations with Russia told TASS on Tuesday. The Minister confirmed that he would pay a three-day visit to Russia in the near future to discuss cooperation plans. "One of the most important points of our energy policy is to eliminate dependence on the Middle East, it is too high. It is very important to cooperate with Russia in this area, which includes the development of new energy supply routes," Seko stressed. The minister added that during his visit to Moscow he is planning to check on the progress of implementing the eight-point plan of cooperation with Russia proposed by Japan. "Then specific projects can be discussed with our Russian colleagues in November in Peru where the APEC summit will be held," Seko said. "Funding issues will be discussed too. Some projects involve high costs, it is also necessary to check the two countries’ legislations concerning any contradictions." The eight-plan point plan to develop relations between the two countries was put forward by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Sochi on May 6. It envisages fostering relations between Japan and Russia in the energy sector, small and medium-sized businesses, the promotion of the industrialization of the Far East as well as expanding exports. In addition, it contains a proposal to bolster cooperation in advanced technologies, including the nuclear power industry, and in humanitarian exchanges. Read more