Tokyo supports strengthened role of Global Energy Forum

Tokyo considers it necessary to increase the role and status of the Global Energy Forum in the world and intends to promote this initiative, said the Japanese Minister of Economy Takeo Hiranuma in an exclusive interview with RIA Novosti.

He had received the Russian journalist the day before the Japanese city Osaka hosted the 121st conference of Energy and Oil Ministers from the OPEC /Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries/ member-countries on Thursday and the 8th meeting of the Global Energy Forum scheduled for September 21st-23rd.

The Global Energy Forum session, which will gather 65 countries and 11 international organizations "will become the largest forum in the planet's history for discussing energy issues with participation of oil exporters and oil consumers," the Minister pointed out.

Hiranuma pointed to the fact that "the OPEC only includes oil producing countries." "Meanwhile, the Global Energy Forum could become a forum for efficient discussion of global energy problems by oil-exporting countries and oil consuming countries," the Minister stated.