The prime ministers of Japan and Italy have agreed to elevate bilateral ties. They decided to strengthen collaboration to build resilient supply chains and set up a body to discuss cooperation in space.
Japan’s Takaichi Sanae welcomed her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo on Friday. Following a salute by the guard of honor, the two headed for a summit that lasted about 30 minutes.
Takaichi said at the outset that this year marks the 160th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties. She said that in this milestone year, she wishes to seize the opportunity of Meloni’s visit to reaffirm and further strengthen their special bilateral relationship. She added that she hopes to release a joint statement with Meloni and announce a new partnership.
At the meeting, the leaders agreed to elevate the two countries’ relations to a “special strategic partnership” and promote cooperation in a broad range of fields.
That includes security, in which they confirmed that the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Italian military will conduct joint training. Japan and Italy are also working with Britain on the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet. Takaichi and Meloni agreed to accelerate cooperation on the project.
On economic security, the two countries concurred that they will strengthen cooperation to establish a resilient supply chain for critical minerals, apparently with China’s export restrictions in mind. Japan and Italy will also team up on energy, including providing each other with liquefied natural gas in the event of emergencies.
The leaders also agreed to launch a new consultative body to promote collaboration in space, an area where both countries have knowledge and expertise.
At a joint news conference, Takaichi congratulated Meloni on her birthday the day before. The Japanese leader said, “As the strategic environment surrounding the Indo-Pacific region becomes increasingly tough, close collaboration between like-minded countries has become more important than ever for the peace and prosperity of the two countries and the region.”
She said her summit with Meloni served as an opportunity to feel firsthand that Japan and Italy, and the two leaders, can become even closer.
Takaichi and Meloni addressed each other by their first names.
AloJapan.com