Foreign projects including Sakhalin-1 crucial for Japan's energy security, METI says

TOKYO, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Foreign projects including Russia's Sakhalin-1 are crucial for Japan's energy security, Japan's industry ministry said in response to U.S. sanctions on Rosneft ROSN.MM, a key shareholder in the oil project that also includes Japanese companies.

Energy projects abroad are a valuable potential source of energy outside the Middle East, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in emailed comments on Friday when asked about the Rosneft sanctions and the implications for the Japanese shareholders.

Last month, the U.S. hit Russia's Rosneft and Lukoil LKOH.MM with sanctions, the most recent step to force the Kremlin to end the war in Ukraine.