Abstract
This paper explores the current situation and problems with energy cooperation in the region. This study examines the prospects for energy cooperation in a broader context of regionalism and multilateral cooperation and ultimate integration of the NEA region. Because NEA countries have placed priorities on the pursuit of economic rationality, energy security, and competition to date, cooperation in the energy sector has been prevalent. Bilateral cooperative relationships between energy suppliers, i.e. Russia, and major consumers have figured prominently. Given problematic situations in regional energy cooperation notwithstanding, there exist some positive signs for multilateral cooperation. Both energy consumer countries and Russia, in an effort to create a multilateral energy cooperative body, have begun to build consensus to discuss energy cooperation. In particular, due to the amelioration of the recent North Korean nuclear crisis, the possibility of multinational energy cooperation in the region seems to be much more probable than ever before.
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