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, 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

with sanctions, the most recent step to force the

Kremlin to end the war in Ukraine.