[Provisional translation]
On March 25, commencing at 2:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency(IEA), who is visiting Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:
1. At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that the IEA is the most authoritative international organization in the energy sector and that, in light of the current situation in the Middle East, the IEA's core mission of ensuring energy security has become even more critical. She also welcomed the IEA's coordinated release of oil stocks, the largest ever, aimed at stabilizing global energy markets, particularly in Asia. In response, Executive Director Birol expressed his appreciation for Japan's leading decision to release its strategic reserves among IEA members, and stated that he could consider going for another round of stock release if necessary, and continue to cooperate closely with Japan to ensure the stability of energy markets.
2. Prime Minister TAKAICHI also expressed gratitude for Executive Director Birol's support for Japan's energy policy, and conveyed her expectation for the IEA's role in the area of critical minerals, expressing her desire to continue collaboration. In response, Executive Director Birol stated that the IEA would continue to support Japan's energy policies and contribute to efforts in the critical minerals sector as well.
3. Both sides confirmed their commitment to continue working closely together.