The Prime Ministers of Japan and Australia met in Canberra on Monday to discuss urgent issues about energy security. The two countries are worried about problems with sending oil and gas around the world because of difficulties in the Middle East. They want to build a stronger partnership to help them manage these risks and keep important energy supplies moving.

The main focus was on making sure Japan can get diesel and liquefied natural gas for the future. Japan relies on imports, and is concerned about delays and higher shipping costs in important sea routes. The countries talked about plans to help each other if there are more problems with global energy supply.

Australia already provides about 40% of Japan’s liquefied natural gas. The leaders discussed ways to give Japan priority for energy exports and possible Japanese investment in Australian energy projects. They also spoke about working together on new cleaner energy sources, like hydrogen, for the future.