Japan’s trade minister called for increasing oil storage and developing infrastructure in Asia to improve the region’s resilience against supply disruptions.

According to Bloomberg, Ryōji Akazawa, in a virtual speech at the ministers’ meeting of the International Energy Forum, said that energy security has become more important as tensions in the Middle East rise, and that cooperation between oil-producing and oil-consuming countries should be strengthened.

Under the “Power Asia” plan introduced in Farvardin, Japan is seeking to expand the region’s oil reserves, strengthen the supply chain, and improve emergency response capacity.

Akazawa also pointed to the Asia Society’s zero-emissions agenda to deepen cooperation with oil-producing countries and coordinate in emergency conditions.

He said Japan wants to be a bridge between Middle East oil producers and Asian countries.

The ministers’ meeting of the International Energy Forum brings together energy ministers from more than 60 major oil and gas producing and consuming countries.