Japan's top diplomat lauds IEA's Fatih Birol for energy sector leadership

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) – Japan’s foreign minister on Tuesday lauded International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol for his leadership in the energy sector.

During a visit to Tokyo by Birol, a Turkish economist and energy expert, Takeshi Iwaya acknowledged the IEA's authority in energy while commending Birol’s leadership, said a Japanese Foreign Ministry statement.

Iwaya expressed hope that Birol’s visit would “serve as an opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Japan and the IEA.”

Iwaya also said that the IEA’s main purpose is “securing energy security,” and that Tokyo understands the importance of the agency’s functions.

Birol, in turn, said that “energy security is the top priority for the agency,” and expressed hope that the cooperative bilateral relationship between Japan and the IEA would be strengthened.

Both sides confirmed their commitment to maintaining cooperation to ensure energy security.