Japan and Italy have agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding that will give Tokyo priority to buy liquefied natural gas from an Italian firm during natural disasters and other emergencies.
The two governments announced their decision at a conference for LNG producers and consumers in Hiroshima City on Sunday.
Japan would purchase LNG produced by Rome-based energy giant Eni through the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security.
Eni develops and sells oil and natural gas in Africa, Southeast Asia and elsewhere. The Italian government has a stake in the company.
Japan’s government believes that LNG, a key fuel for thermal power generation, will remain an important energy source despite de-carbonization efforts. It plans to expand international collaboration to secure stable procurement.
The government also announced on Sunday that it aims to reach an agreement on intergovernmental cooperation with South Korea for LNG procurement.
Economy ministry official Hasegawa Yuya told reporters that while private-sector businesses have signed long-term contracts, government-level cooperation is meaningful in reaffirming the importance of LNG. He said more agreements with other countries’ governments are possible.