Japan, Italy Leaders Vow Security, Economic Cooperation

Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)–The leaders of Japan and Italy agreed Friday to accelerate security cooperation, including over next-generation fighter jet development involving the two nations plus Britain, and to strengthen collaboration on economic security, including expanding supply chains for critical minerals. During their first face-to-face meeting in Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, also exchanged views on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and on China. They agreed to continue to work together for a free and open Indo-Pacific and to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. In a joint statement, the two leaders said, “The security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is strongly interrelated.” They also said that Japan-Italy ties will be upgraded to a “special strategic partnership.” At a joint press conference after the talks, Takaichi said: “With the strategic environment around the Indo-Pacific region growing increasingly severe, close cooperation among like-minded nations has become more important than ever for the peace and prosperity of our two countries, and for the region.” Meloni voiced her hopes for peace based on freedom and proper order. Japan and Italy also announced that they will establish a space consultation panel to promote the peaceful use of space, and expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges in light of the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Meloni requested Takaichi’s early visit to Italy. The two leaders are both conservative female politicians. Hoping to establish a relationship built on trust, Takaichi also held a meeting of the two leaders plus current female members of the Takaichi cabinet–Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and economic security minister Kimi Onoda. The Italian premier told the joint press conference that the two leaders are on the same wavelength, referring to the Japanese prime minister as “Sanae.” Noting that she and Takaichi are the first female prime ministers of their respective countries, Meloni added that while serving in the post is a great honor, it comes with great responsibilities. Posting a photo of the two leaders on X, Meloni said that despite the two countries being geographically apart, they have grown closer. The Italian prime minister’s trip to Japan was the first such visit since February 2024. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]