Press Releases
The 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting
On October 11, the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting was held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Japan was represented by Mr. AKAZAWA Ryosei, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, who participated online, and Mr. MORINO Yasunari, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who attended the meeting in person and delivered a statement on behalf of Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- Under the overall theme of "Energy Security and Shared Goals in a New Era," participants discussed energy security, as well as investment and trade in sustainable energy solutions.
- In his statement, State Minister HORII outlined three pillars for ensuring global energy security: (1) ensuring free and transparent energy trade; (2) international coordination on oil stockpiling, including in cooperation with the IEA; and (3) enhancing coordination between producing and consuming countries. He also expressed Japan's commitment to contribute to global energy security and market stability as a nexus between producing and consuming countries, through initiatives such as the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience Asia (POWERR Asia).
(Reference) International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting
The International Energy Forum (IEF) is a framework in which energy producing and consuming countries, including those of oil and gas, engage in ministerial-level dialogue on energy market stability and related issues. It was established in 1991 with the aim of deepening mutual understanding between producing and consuming countries and promoting stable and transparent energy markets as the foundation for sound global economic growth. It currently has 67 member countries.
In addition to member countries, energy-related international organizations such as the International Energy Agency (IEA), regional organizations and private companies participate in the IEF Ministerial Meetings. The previous Ministerial Meeting was held in New Delhi, India, in April 2018.