Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a significant enhancement in economic security cooperation and critical minerals supply chain collaboration between Japan and Italy. This development followed a meeting in Tokyo with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meeting marked an upgrade of the existing "strategic" partnership between the two nations to a "special strategic" partnership, aimed at fostering closer ties in various domains including security and culture. Meloni expressed on social media platform X the importance of the meeting in strengthening a relationship built on mutual respect and shared values, with a historical foundation dating back over 160 years.
Both leaders emphasized a mutual commitment to advancing robust strategic cooperation across diverse sectors such as economy, innovation, technology, industry, and research. Meloni highlighted the reliability of Italy and Japan as partners in promoting stability, growth, and an international order grounded in rules and dialogue, particularly in a rapidly changing global landscape.
The dialogue between the two premiers also covered plans to bolster cooperation in defense, economic security, space, science, and technology, along with addressing global challenges. Meloni conveyed her support by reassuring Takaichi of her unwavering assistance.
The meeting coincided with Meloni's three-day visit to Japan, commemorating the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two Group of Seven nations. It was Takaichi's inaugural meeting with a European leader in Japan since assuming office.
In a gesture of personal camaraderie, Meloni, whose birthday was celebrated during the visit, received a birthday cake and a special illustration from manga artist Tetsuo Hara. The meeting further symbolized the deepening ties between Japan and Italy, with Japan holding the position of Italy's third-largest trading partner in Asia, characterized by a bilateral trade volume of $11.6 billion. Meloni's visit to Japan was part of a broader diplomatic tour, including stops in Oman and South Korea.