Japan is expected to underscore the importance of energy security at a Group of 20 ministerial meeting, after two cargo vessels carrying Japan-related supplies came under attack near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

The strait in the Middle East is a major strategic waterway for global shipments. Japan relies on the Middle Eastern region for nearly 90 percent of its crude oil imports.

Japan will chair the G20 meeting of energy and environment ministers. The two-day event will open on Saturday in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture.

The gathering will take place as tensions between the United States and Iran, a Middle Eastern oil producer, remain high. Saudi Arabia, another major Middle Eastern oil producer, will also participate in the talks.

The ministers are scheduled to issue a joint statement on the second day.

NHK