Meeting and Working Dinner between Prime Minister ISHIBA and President MATTARELLA of the Italian Republic
March 5, 2025
[Provisional translation]
On March 5, commencing at 6:10 p.m., for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Sergio MATTARELLA, President of the Italian Republic, who paid an Official Visit to Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders gave a joint press release. After that, commencing at 7:10 p.m., a working dinner was held for approximately 80 minutes. The overview of the events is as follows. The “Japan-Italy Action Plan - Fact Sheet” was announced at this occasion.
1. Introduction
Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed President Mattarella's visit to Japan, noting that Japan and Italy are strategic partners that share values and principles, and that next year will mark the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. Prime Minister Ishiba also welcomed the achievements of Italy as the G7 Presidency in 2024. The two sides welcomed the deepening of cooperation between the two countries in a wide range of fields, including security, economy, and culture, and concurred to further strengthen Japan-Italy relations based on the Japan-Italy Action Plan announced last year.
2. Bilateral Relations
(1) The two sides welcomed the entry into force of the Convention on the Establishment of GIGO for the joint development of the next-generation fighter aircraft, and confirmed cooperation among Japan, Italy and the UK under the GCAP toward the goal of delivering the first aircraft in 2035. Furthermore, the two sides mentioned Italy's active engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, including the port call in Japan by the aircraft carrier "Cavour" in August last year, and welcomed the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Italian Republic Concerning Reciprocal Provision of Supplies and Services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Italian Republic (“Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement,” or ACSA) in November last year, and confirmed that they will work together toward its entry into force.
(2) Prime Minister Ishiba welcomed Italy's participation in this year's Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, and stated his hope that the Expo will encourage many Italians to visit Japan, further strengthening the relationship between the two countries through people-to-people exchanges and business exchanges. The two sides welcomed the contribution that the Japan-Italy Business Group Joint Conference is making to further deepening Japan-Italy economic relations. The two sides also welcomed the entry into force of the Japan-Italy Film Co-production Agreement last year, and expressed their hope that works based on this agreement will be produced.
(3) The two sides also exchanged views on each country's respective efforts in the area of disaster prevention.
3. Regional Issues
(1) The two sides shared the recognition that unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world and that they will continue to work together to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
(2) The two sides exchanged views on the situations in East Asia including their policies towards North Korea, and concurred to work closely together.
