Japan and Chile will strengthen cooperation in the mining and supply of lithium, a key metal for making batteries used in electric vehicles and other devices.

Japanese Trade Minister Saito Ken met with Chile Mining Minister Aurora Williams in Tokyo on Friday.

They said the two countries will work together to ensure stable supply of the metal and use of mining methods that protect the environment.

Saito said Japan will provide knowledge and technologies to contribute to Chile's strategy on expanding lithium supply.

Williams said Chile aims to establish a stable lithium supply chain and Japanese companies can support that goal.

Many countries are competing to secure supplies of the metal as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

About 60 percent of the world's known reserves sit in Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, collectively known as "The Lithium Triangle."