Japan-Italy Summit Meeting and Working Lunch (Summary)

      On January 16, commencing at 11:45 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Ms. Giorgia MELONI, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, who was on an Official Working Visit to Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders attended a working lunch and gave a joint press announcement. The overview is as follows.
      On this occasion, the two leaders issued the “Japan-Italy Joint Statement”.

1.   Opening Remarks
      At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Prime Minister Meloni's visit to Japan and expressed her hope that the close relationship between the two countries, which has made steady progress in cooperation across a wide range of fields, would be further deepened on the occasion of this year's 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. In response, Prime Minister Meloni stated that the cooperation between the two countries has progressed remarkably in all fields, and that she would like to work closely with Prime Minister TAKAICHI to further strengthen their relations.

2.    Bilateral Relations
(1)  On this occasion of Prime Minister Meloni’s visit to Japan, the two leaders concurred on redefining and further elevating the relations between Japan and Italy as a “Special Strategic Partnership” in order to further promote bilateral relations in a wide range of fields.
(2)  The two leaders confirmed that they would further enhance partnership in the areas of security and defense, including the joint development of next-generation fighter aircraft by Japan, Italy and the UK, and welcomed ongoing coordination on defense cooperation activities planned for this year.
(3)  Amid growing international concerns over export restrictions including critical minerals, the two leaders concurred on further strengthening cooperation on economic security to enhance supply chain resilience including cooperation regarding critical raw minerals.
(4)  The two leaders confirmed their intention to cooperate in advanced technology fields, including AI. They also welcomed the progress in cooperation on infrastructure and energy, as well as the expansion of trade and investment between Japan and Italy.
(5)  The two leaders concurred on promoting cooperation in the fields of cultural and people-to-people exchanges on the occasion of this year's 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Prime Minister TAKAICHI conveyed to Prime Minister Meloni her best wishes for the success of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are set to take place in Italy in February and March.
(6)  The two leaders expressed their hopes for collaboration in the field of science and technology, including space as well as disaster risk reduction.
(7)  Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Prime Minister MELONI’s announcement on Italy’s participation in GREEN×EXPO 2027 which will be held in Yokohama.

3.    Regional Issues
(1) The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific, including the East and South China Sea as well as North Korea, and confirmed their cooperation towards realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
(2) The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as well as for collaboration on their policies toward Africa.
(3) The two leaders shared a common understanding on the importance of an international order based on the rule of law, and concurred on further strengthening cooperation in the international arena.