Japan to Review Zero Nuclear Power Policy, Abe Tells Obama [Jiji Press English News Service]

Jiji_Press_Engli, 2013-02-23

Washington, Feb. 22 (Jiji Press)--Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday that Japan will review the previous Democratic Party of Japan-led administration's aim of phasing out nuclear power by the end of the 2030s.

During the bilateral summit meeting at the White House, Abe said his government will make a wholesale review of the goal and formulate a responsible energy policy.

Abe added that he hopes to work closely with the United States as partners for nuclear energy cooperation.

The prime minister requested early approval by Obama for exports of less expensive U.S. shale gas to Japan, pointing out Japan's challenge of reducing soaring fuel costs in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami and the nuclear crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power station.

Obama said that the United States is always bearing in mind Japan's importance as an ally.END

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