NHK has learned that US Energy Secretary Chris Wright has canceled a visit to Japan that had been scheduled for this weekend. He had been due to attend a meeting in Tokyo.
Growing concerns about the stable supply of crude oil are believed to be behind his reported cancellation, amid rising tensions involving Iran.
Japan and the United States will co-host the two-day meeting of the Indo-Pacific Energy Security Ministerial and Business Forum starting on Saturday in Tokyo.
It will be held in the Japanese capital for the first time.
At the talks, officials in charge of energy policy from Japan, other parts of Asia and elsewhere are expected to discuss cooperation to secure energy supplies.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Wright and Japan’s Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei were scheduled to hold talks. Wright was also expected to attend a ministerial meeting on strengthening supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals.
The US is considering sending another ministerial-level official in his place.
AloJapan.com