The prime ministers of Japan and Italy agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a new level by strengthening cooperation to build sustainable supply chains and establishing a forum to discuss space cooperation.
On Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae welcomed her Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, to the Prime Minister’s Residence in Tokyo. After greeting a guard of honor, the leaders met for approximately 30 minutes.
Takaichi began the meeting by noting that this year marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. She said she would like to take advantage of Meloni’s visit during this significant year to reaffirm and further strengthen the special bilateral relationship. Takaichi added that she hopes to issue a joint statement with Meloni announcing a new partnership.
At the meeting, the leaders agreed to elevate the relationship between the two countries to the level of a “special strategic partnership” and promote cooperation across a wide range of areas.
This includes security matters, where the leaders confirmed that the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Italian military will conduct joint exercises. Japan and Italy are also collaborating with the United Kingdom on the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet. Takaichi and Meloni agreed to accelerate joint work on this project.
Regarding economic security, both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation to create a sustainable supply chain for critical minerals, obviously taking into account China’s export restrictions. Japan and Italy will also cooperate in the energy sector, including on the mutual supply of liquefied natural gas in emergency situations.
The leaders also agreed to establish a new advisory body to promote cooperation in space, an area in which both countries have expertise.
