Agency for Natural Resources and EnergyMinister Edano Attended the 2012 APEC Energy Ministers Meeting (EMM10)

(1) In response to the increasing energy demand in the APEC member economies and heightening geopolitical risks in the Middle East, participants discussed energy security in the APEC region.

(2) Japan called attention to its commitment to contribute to global nuclear safety through sharing knowledge and experience of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Furthermore, Japan expressed its recognition of the significance of disseminating energy efficiency and renewable energy by way of technological development and promoting upstream development and expansion of free trade of natural gas. Japan also made a proposal concerning emergency responses in the event of energy supply disruptions and obtained approval from other economies.

(3) The consensus reached at this meeting was incorporated and summarized in the Ministerial Statement (St. Petersburg Declaration - "Energy Security: Challenges and Strategic Choices"), and Ministers in APEC economies confirmed that they would continue to strengthen efforts to create further concrete outcomes towards the APEC Ministerial Meeting and the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting to be held in Vladivostok, Russia, in September 2012.

(1) Mr. Alexander Novak, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation

Both countries confirmed that they would further enhance the bilateral energy cooperation between Japan and the Russian Federation. The ministers exchanged opinions concerning the significance of the resources and energy projects in East Siberia. They signed a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation for the Vladivostok LNG project on this occasion.

(2) Mr. Martin Ferguson, Minister of Resources, Energy and Tourism of Australia

Both countries confirmed that they would mutually support the Ichthys LNG Project and would further strengthen bilateral collaboration in the field of resources and energy, such as LNG, coal, uranium, and rare metals.

(3) Mr. Daniel B. Poneman, Deputy Secretary of Energy of the United States

Both countries exchanged opinions concerning Japan's present nuclear power generation situation and the review of the nuclear policy. Minister Edano expressed expectations that the United States would grant permission for LNG exports. They confirmed that both countries would continue to further enhance multilateral energy cooperation including APEC and the bilateral energy cooperation between Japan and the United States.

(4) Mr. Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam

Both countries confirmed that they would promote a cooperative relationship concerning rare earths, including the development of the Dong Pao REE deposit, and the construction of nuclear power plants in Vietnam. Furthermore, they agreed that they would enhance cooperation concerning the development of smart communities in Hanoi.

June 29, 2012

International Affairs Division, Director-General's Secretariat, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy