Photo courtesy of Jiji Press.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun reiterate their commitment to safeguard shipping and energy routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two officials held a phone discussion Thursday, focusing on the Middle East situation and measures to maintain stable energy flows and protect critical imports.
According to the South Korean Foreign Ministry, both ministers emphasized the importance of ensuring uninterrupted navigation through the strait, a vital corridor for global oil shipments.
They noted that the safety of this waterway is crucial for the economies and energy security of both Japan and South Korea.
South Korea depends on the Middle East for about 70 percent of its crude oil supply, and like Japan, faces significant challenges due to Iran’s effective control of the strait.
Motegi and Cho agreed to sustain close coordination and communication between their countries to manage potential risks in the region.
The ministers also reflected on South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Nara, Japan, in January, calling it a successful summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Both officials committed to continue collaborative efforts to ensure regional stability and secure maritime transport for energy and essential goods.
