Japan, Mexico agree on energy cooperation as Iran war disrupts supplies

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addresses a press conference at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan, April 15 2026. (PHILIP FONG/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)

TOKYO, April 21 (Reuters) - Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke by phone on Tuesday and agreed to enhance their cooperation on energy, Japan's foreign ministry said, as the Iran war disrupts global oil and gas supplies.

Takaichi also proposed establishing a dialogue framework, including economic security, with Mexico, a nation endowed with rich mineral resources, the ministry said.

The Japanese premier requested Mexico's cooperation in building a favourable environment for Japanese companies operating there, and the two leaders agreed to strengthen trade relations, according to the ministry.

Sheinbaum called the conversation "very productive" in a post on X.

"We discussed the importance of strengthening relations between the two countries in the areas of investment, trade and cooperation," she added.

(Reporting by Kaori Kaneko; additional reporting by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Joe Bavier)