CANBERRA — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese pledged to deepen cooperation on energy, the economy, defense and critical minerals during Takaichi's three-day visit to Australia. The two governments issued joint statements on the partnership as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained largely halted.

Iran has essentially blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, when the United States and Israel began attacks on Iran. Roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies normally pass through the waterway, and 80% of the oil that transits the strait is destined for Asia.

"The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has been inflicting enormous impact on the Indo-Pacific," Takaichi said. "We affirmed that Japan and Australia will closely communicate with each other in responding with a sense of urgency," she added.

Australia provides approximately one-third of Japan's energy supplies and is Japan's largest market for liquefied natural gas. "Like Japan, we are very concerned by disruptions to the supply of liquid fuels and refined petroleum products," Albanese said.

Australia announced plans to provide up to A$1.3 billion in support to critical mineral projects involving Japanese companies. The projects could supply Japan with resources including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite. Japan's government said it is eager to ensure a stable supply of critical minerals essential for semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries and weapons systems.

Last month, Japan and Australia announced a deal for Japan to provide Mogami-class stealth warships to the Australian navy valued at A$10 billion. The defense agreement and the critical minerals support package were both announced during Takaichi's visit to Canberra, where the two prime ministers also reaffirmed commitments to energy security cooperation.