TOKYO, December 7. /TASS/. Sanctions imposed by third countries against energy projects between Russia and Japan directly affect Tokyo’s national interests and security, Russia's new trade representative for Tokyo Natalya Stapran said in an interview with TASS.

"Energy is another area whose stability directly affects the well-being of ordinary citizens. It is important to note that Russia and Japan both believe that the projects mentioned are significant for national interests. This is primarily a matter of reliable energy supplies in the Asia-Pacific region and achieving goals related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Of course, sanctions from third countries against Russian-Japanese energy projects have a certain impact on their implementation and affect Japan’s interests, but I am sure that cooperation in this area will continue," she said.

As an example, the Russian trade representative cited the situation with the sanctions the US authorities introduced against the Arctic LNG 2 project, in which the Japanese side participates.

"In this regard, the question arises of what primarily worries American partners in relations with Japan. It is clear that they are hitting key industries, violating economic interests and security issues," Stapran added.

According to the trade representative, "despite numerous Japanese sanctions, Russia is acting in a very rational and pragmatic manner." "In particular, in the Sakhalin-2 project, thanks to a change in the operator of the energy project, we were able to defend our interests, maintaining full contractual obligations to clients, thereby confirming our reputation as a reliable supplier," she concluded.

The Japanese side, which continues to be involved in Russia’s Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 projects, has repeatedly stressed their importance for ensuring the country's energy security. From the Sakhalin-2 project, Japan, the world's largest importer of LNG, receives about 9% of all purchased liquefied gas. Japanese companies Mitsui and Mitsubishi have 12.5% and 10% stakes in the project respectively.

The stakeholders in the Arctic LNG 2 project are Novatek (60%), TotalEnergies (10%), CNPC (10%), CNOOC (10%) and the Japanese consortium Japan Arctic LNG, in which Mitsui owns 25%, and 75% - Japan National Oil, Gas and Metals Corporation (JOGMEC). The project involves the construction of three stages for the production of liquefied natural gas with a capacity of 6.6 million tons per year.