RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Akazawa Ryosei discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. In a virtual meeting held on Thursday, the ministers reaffirmed the strong and long standing strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan.Akazawa referred to the letter conveyed from Japanese PrimeMinister Takaichi Sanae to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman concerning the enhancement of cooperation between the two friendly countries in the fields of energy and related areas.The ministers emphasized the importance of continued coordination and collaboration in support of the stability and security of global energy markets and explored opportunities to expand cooperation in areas including energy supply chains, energy infrastructure, strategic stockpiling, and investment.Both sides also agreed to establish a joint task force, whichwill commence its work as soon as possible, to discuss the proposals by both the Japanese and Saudi sides and identify further avenues for cooperation between the two countries and broader Asian countries in the energy sector.The ministers welcomed the continued engagement between the two countries and expressed their aspiration to further develop the strategic energy partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan.