Japan says seeks to boost gas imports from Russia

MOSCOW, May 2 (PRIME) -- Japan would like to ease dependence on oil and gas supplies from the Middle East and boost imports from Russia, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko told Rossiya 24 television channel on April 30.

“Japan traditionally buys the bulk of oil and gas from Middle Eastern countries. And we are concerned with this dependence, as this route is not safe and tied with geopolitical risks. That’s why it is very important for us to ensure a northern route of energy supplies, in other words from Russia. It is very important in terms of energy security of our country,” he said.

Specifically, Japan would like to boost liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Russia, he said.

“I can confirm that we would like to significantly raise this volume,” he said.

Seko also said he believed that Russia’s investment climate is improving and is not raising any concerns.

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