Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met with her Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, for the first time in Tokyo on Jan. 16, agreeing to elevate the two nations’ relationship to a “special strategic partnership.”
At a joint news conference following the meeting, Takaichi said, “We aim for even greater heights as special strategic partners,” and announced their intent to raise the level of cooperation between the two countries.
“We will advance cooperation in a wide range of fields, including security, the economy, economic security, cultural and people-to-people exchanges,” Takaichi said.
Mindful of the growing global trend of securing critical resources, the two leaders agreed on the need to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals among like-minded nations.
Takaichi also announced that the two countries would launch a new council for the space sector and advance cooperation on ensuring mutual supply of liquefied natural gas in times of emergency.
Meloni noted their aligned interests in Africa.
“Japan and Italy are each engaging with Africa in a strategic manner,” she said. “We will strengthen our collaborative relationship.”
The two leaders showcased their close rapport by addressing each other by their first names, “Giorgia” and “Sanae.”
During the news conference, Takaichi also congratulated Meloni on her birthday, the day prior on Jan. 15.
“We are very much on the same wavelength,” Meloni responded, adding, “We are each the first woman to hold this office in our respective countries. It is a great honor, but also a great responsibility.”
She said, “I want to work together.”
This was Meloni’s third visit to Japan since February 2024 and her first in-person meeting with Takaichi.
This year also marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy.
The meeting builds on an action plan the two countries formulated in 2024 to strengthen cooperation in diplomacy, security and economic security.
At the news conference, Takaichi highlighted recent cooperative achievements, such as the entry into force of the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement that allows the Self-Defense Forces and the Italian military to exchange goods and services.
Another achievement mentioned was the Global Combat Air Program, a joint next-generation fighter jet development project with Britain, was also spotlighted
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